The data reveals exports continued to drive British car makers in March, with demand growing by 10.6% from 118,332 vehicles in March 2016 to 130,838 vehicles in March this year.
The overseas demand helped to push overall production to a 17-year high in quarter one, to 471,695 units – an increase of 7.6%. The SMMT says this helped offset a decline at home, with demand down -4.3% in the quarter.
Says SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes: “UK car manufacturing is accelerating thanks to billions of pounds of investment committed over the past few years.
“A large proportion are the latest low emission diesels and it’s essential for future growth and employment that we encourage these newer, cleaner diesels onto UK roads and avoid penalising consumers who choose diesel for its fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
“Much of our output goes to Europe and it’s vital we maintain free trade between the UK and EU or we risk destroying this success story.”
Exports drive British car production demand
1 min read
The British car manufacturing industry produced 170,691 vehicles in March – 7.3% more than in the same month last year, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has shown.
