Skip advert
Advertisement

UK car manufacturing hits six-year high

British car production is up 3.1 per cent and tops 1.5 million, the highest since 2007

Halewood factory

Car manufacturing in the UK has hit a six-year high according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

British production rose 3.1 per cent in 2013, topping 1.5 million cars, the highest since 2007. Industry analysts don't expect the trend to slow either with output expected to reach two million by 2017.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It follows news that UK motor manufacturing had topped France for the first time since 1966. The UK also posted five-year high new car sales in 2013 with 2.26 million new cars  registered – up 10.8 per cent on 2012.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said 2013 had demonstrated the value of the UK’s diverse car manufacturing industry.

He added: "UK automotive investment announcements exceeded £2.5 billion in 2013, reinforcing industry analysts’ suggestions that the UK could break all-time car output records within the next four years."

Figures showed while global export slowed by 0.9 per cent, the European market for British manufacturing was still increasing.

Also in 2013, China overtook Russia and the USA to become the biggest export market for UK-built cars.

Vince Cable, business secretary, said the latest figures showed the UK car industry was going from strength to strength.

"Our success lies in the appetite from countries around the world for British cars," he added. " It also highlights the benefits of industry and government working together and we want to continue this partnership through a long-term strategy."

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025