UK car production rises by 27%

Car production in the UK accelerated ahead last year, making a big recovery after a slump in 2009.

A total of 1.27 million cars were produced in the UK – a 27.1% increase on the 2009 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

Commercial vehicle (CV) production also rose sharply, rising 35.7% last year to 123,019.

Despite a slip last month, UK engine output for 2010 – at 2.39 million units - was 16.2% up on 2009.

Car production in December was 10.6% higher than in December 2009, while CV production rose 19.4%.

The 2010 figures are in stark contrast to those for 2009 when even the boost of the Government’s car-scrappage scheme in the spring failed to compensate for massive production declines in the early part of the year.

It resulted in a 30.9% fall in 2009 car production compared with 2008, while CV production went down even further, dipping 55.3%.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said today: “UK vehicle production is leading the manufacturing recovery.

“UK manufacturers exported more than a million vehicles last year, underlining the competitiveness and desirability of the current model line-up.

“We expect further growth across automotive manufacturing this year as industry continues to invest in new models and a variety of low-carbon technologies.”