Production figures released today by the Office for National Statistics/SMMT show that total car output rose by 10,067 units in May 2004 and export production has grown by 6.1%

UK car production has risen 7.6% in May 2004, to 143,134 units and output has risen in four of the first five months of 2004 and in 10 of the last 12 months. Over the year to date, total production rose 2.3% to 718,279 units.

SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan, says: “While it is encouraging to note a boost in the number of cars made for UK buyers, export markets remain the mainstay of production growth.

“The picture is one which has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. Volumes have been rising steadily since a period of restructuring at the turn of the millennium and are forecast to hit 1.7 million units this year. Of these, 1.2 million, or seven out of 10 models, will be destined for export markets. This is nearly half a million more than 10 years ago. We expect this trend to continue to drive production growth in the years to come.”