Production figures released today by the Office for National Statistics show that car production in September 2001 fell by 1.8% to 131,562 units, with the year-to-date total in 2001 falling by 13.3% to 1,095,286.

Production for the home market rose in September by 2.2% to 58,000 units, while export production fell by 4.7% to 73,562 units.

Commenting on the figures, SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said, “Indications are that car production is beginning to stabilise after the difficult first nine months of the year. However, we are not out of the woods yet – despite good news from several manufacturers and record registrations in September - the industry as a whole still faces an uphill struggle against difficult legislation and tough economic conditions.”

In September commercial vehicle production rose 73.5% to 17,332 units compared with 9,992 in September 2000. Year to date commercial vehicle production rose 10.2%. Exports are up 158%. These figures represent four straight months growth.

Mr Macgowan said: “Four straight month's CV production growth is really good news for the UK, and we're confident that UK commercial vehicle production will keep going up, backed by increasing demand here and on the Continent.”