October UK car production 'best since 1999'

Production figures released today by the Office for National Statistics show that UK car production in October climbed 2.5% to 153,361 units. Exports accounted for a record 74.2% of monthly output, and year-to-date volumes rose 0.6%, on track to meet the SMMT's 1.65 million forecast.

”UK car production has performed exceedingly well so far this year,” commented SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan. 'Despite global economic uncertainties and stagnant demand across the EU, British-based manufacturers have seen output volumes rise over six of the past eight months. Exports accounted for a record share of October's output and are expected to remain the key focus driving UK production over the next few years. We are confident that full-year levels will reach our 1.65 million unit forecast.”