Good news for British car factories

NEW FIGURES have revealed that UK-based car production raced ahead in April, resulting in the biggest monthly rise since July 2012.

A total of 133,437 cars were made in the UK last month – a 21.3% increase on the April 2013 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

The excellent April figures took the year-so-far total to 538,240 – a 6.9% rise on the figure for January-April 2013.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "The thriving nature of the UK car manufacturing industry was evident in April as output grew at its highest rate for almost two years.

"New model introductions are fuelling growth, while Europe – which currently accounts for around half of exports – is now seeing an upturn in demand.

"As investments continue to be realised, we expect further rises in the coming months; good news for the thousands of suppliers and employees across the country that rely on this industry."

By Press Association reporter