Auto sector shows resilience as output rises 8.5%

CAR production rose by 8.5% in November as the UK’s automotive sector continued to show its resilience in an otherwise struggling economy.

For the year-to-date, output is up 6.1% on 2010, with 1.25m cars produced. November saw 136,111 cars roll off the production lines.

Commercial vehicle production was also up last month, by 2.2% compared with November 2010, however, output for the 11 months to date is 2.3% down on the same period last year.

The picture for engine production was healthier with 227.018 produced in November, an increase of 1.7% on November last year. For the January to November period 2.35m engines have been made, an increase of 5.3% on last year.

Of the cars produced last month, 119,847 are destined for export – 88% of the total manufactured. The figure marks a 12% increase on the same month last year.

So far this year the UK has exported 1.043m cars, an 18.5% rise on last year.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “UK vehicle and engine production continues to lead a manufacturing recovery.

“Despite the challenges in the Eurozone, the UK motor industry expects further growth in 2012. Global vehicle manufacturers have committed more than £4bn of investment into the UK motor industry, boosting confidence in the sector and securing high value jobs for the long-term.”