Car production hits million mark

A MILLION CARS have been produced so far this year in the UK, helped by a highly successful month in September.

But manufacturing of commercial vehicles (CV) slumped more than 27%.

A total of 140,888 cars were built in the UK in September 2013 - 9.9% more than in September last year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

The good September figures took the year-so-far total to 1,125,433 - up 3.9% on the January-September 2012 total.

But it was a different story with CV production, which dipped 27.5% to 6,963 units last month.

A total of just 67,609 CVs have been produced in the year to date - down 17.9% on the first nine months of last year.

On the car production figures SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "Boosted by strong domestic demand, September's 9.9% rise in car manufacturing reinforces how the sector is one of the UK's biggest success stories of recent years

"This year alone, more than £2.6 billion has been committed across the UK automotive sector, from the supply chain to global car manufacturing brands.

"This long-term financial commitment and robust demand for UK-built products demonstrate the global appetite for high-quality, desirable products borne of the UK's world-class design, research and development and engineering."

Mr Hawes went on: "CV production remained subdued in September, with continuing uncertainty in the EU and restructuring of UK operations.

"While the overall market is striving against tough conditions, there remains cause for optimism in some areas, with the truck sector out-performing the market in September."

The SMMT also announced that a total of 230,743 engines were manufactured in September - up 8.3% on the September 2012 figure.

Year-to-date growth of 1.2% sees UK engine output approach two million units for 2013.

By Peter Woodman, Press Association