Car production decline slows but commercials still plummeting

New data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows a 6.7% decline to 106,400 cars for October – the smallest fall of the year so far. The year to date total is 801,169, down 38.1%. The production of commercial vehicles continued to plummet with October numbers down to a little under 8000 – a near on 40% fall – and year to date production 60% down at 74,222. SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "The rate of decline in UK car production continued to fall in October, against a weak 2008. The scrappage scheme and early signs of recovery in global markets offer some encouragement to UK vehicle producers, but 2010 is expected to be another difficult year for the industry. SMMT has asked the chancellor to use the pre-budget report to help sustain and strengthen recovery. Building business and consumer confidence will be key factors during the first half of 2010."