Car production is returning to the highs of 1999 after a long period of restructuring at UK car plants, according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics today.

The total output for August rose 30% in August to 97,164 units, compared to 74,761 in August 2000 and 94,410 units in August 1999. Year-to-date output fell 13.9%.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: “A raft of new British-built cars is starting to push output back up although this spectacular rise needs to be seen in the context of a traditionally weak month for car manufacturing. A clearer picture will emerge in the months to come.”

CV production grew by 103.2% in August to 11,960 units, compared to 5,885 in August 2000. Year-to-date production grew 5%.