The British motor industry has expressed high levels of confidence in the future for automotive manufacturing in the UK. This was tempered with significant concerns about the 'increasing burden of red tape' and the failing national transport infrastructure.

These comments emerged from a new survey conducted amongst SMMT membership entitled 'British Manufacturing: Survival or Growth?' and published ahead of the 87th SMMT Annual Dinner.

The findings, which are published in full on the SMMT web site (www.smmt.co.uk), reflect the views of 80 companies employing 100,000 people in the UK automotive sector from component and aftermarket companies to car and commercial vehicle manufacturers.

Among its key findings the survey reported that 66% of respondents believe that their own prospects are good in the next year, rising to 75% over a five year view. However 50% believe that production in their sector as a whole will decline in the next five years.

70% are bullish about their competitiveness with the rest of Europe, but only a quarter (27 per cent) believe they are competitive compared with rest of the world.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said “The results provide a useful reminder that the British automotive industry is positive about its ability to maintain manufacturing in this country. However there are clear concerns emerging about the state of the transport infrastructure and the implementation of legislation, and these are key areas we will be talking to government about in the coming weeks.”