Car production increase boosts motor industry

Car and commercial vehicle production rose last month, providing a welcome boost to the motor industry.

The number of cars produced in October totalled 112,798 - a 6% rise on the October 2009 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

Commercial vehicle (CV) production rose even more last month - soaring 47.1% to 11,674.

The October figures took the year-to-date total of cars produced in the UK to 1,050,689 - a 31.1% rise on the January-October 2009 total.

Commercial vehicle production for the first 10 months of this year has now reached 103,201 - a 39% rise on the same period last year.

UK engine production fell 5.3% last month compared with October 2009 but is up 19.7% for the first 10 months of this year.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said today: "The vehicle production rise last month signals steady improvement in global vehicle markets and the strength of the UK product line-up."

He went on: "It is extremely important that the Government continues to champion the role of vehicle manufacturing in rebalancing the national economy and works with the automotive industry to create conditions for increased investment in research and development, skills and capital equipment.

"The industry's focus on low-carbon technology and its global reach can help generate the private sector growth the country needs."