South: UK car manufacturing hits six-year high, says SMM
Car production rose 3.1% in 2013 to surpass 1.5 million units – the highest volume since 2007. Industry analysts predict output to reach record levels of around two million units by 2017, and the UK could become the third-largest car manufacturer in Europe, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "2013 demonstrated the value of the UK’s diverse car manufacturing industry, as surging home demand and robust exports outside Europe saw output grow 3.1% to over 1.5 million units. 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."
Business secretary Vince Cable said: "These figures are another sign that the British car industry is going from strength to strength – with one vehicle rolling off a production line somewhere in the UK every 20 seconds.
"Our success lies in the appetite from countries around the world for British cars. Around 80% of the 1.5 million cars we produced last year were exported – a testament to the diverse, high quality of British manufacturing.
"It also highlights the benefits of industry and government working together and we want to continue this partnership through a long-term strategy. This will give businesses the confidence to invest, speed up development on vehicles of the future and keep the UK as a world leader in cars. Our investment of £1b jointly with industry will help do this, while also delivering jobs and driving growth."
