UK car manufacturing puts in best January in nine years
UK car production started 2017 on a high, with output in January up 7.5% year on year.
UK car production grows 7.5% in January to 147,922 units, the best January performance since 2008.
According to the new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 147,922 cars were produced in the month – the best January performance since 2008.
Overseas demand continued to drive output, with exports up 10.8% to 117,916 units, making up 79.9% of production.
Production for the home market fell -3.6%, with 30,006 cars built for UK buyers.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “These latest results highlight, once again, the export-led nature of our industry and the global appeal of our products.
“Future growth will depend upon maintaining our competitiveness, not least in terms of securing a future trade deal with the EU that allows us tariff-free access to our biggest market and the ability to move goods freely, unimpeded by any bureaucratic restrictions.”
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Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
