Car production in October has fallen by 7.6%, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics.

Production for export rose 0.5% over the year-to-date.

“Overall, car production figures continue to reflect losses at MG Rover”, said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan. Two recent landmarks, the new Civic at Swindon and production of the two millionth Toyota at Burnaston, show that car production in the UK is still healthy, he said.

Macgowan said: “Car and commercial vehicle makers are still optimistic about the future, despite concerns about the cost burden of legislation and a transport infrastructure that hinders competitiveness.”

		Oct 05		Oct 04		% change		YTD 05		YTD 04		% change
Total		124,794		135,105		-7.6%		1,350,763		1,387,813		-2.7%
Home		25,360		27,943		-9.2%		363,513		405,280		-10.3%
% of total		20.3%		20.7%				26.9%		29.2%
Export		99,434		107,162		-7.2%		987,250		982,533		0.5%
% of total		79.7%		79.3%				73.1%		70.8%