Car production up by 42%

The number of cars built in the UK last month increased by more than 40% over the same time last year to the highest May total since 2004, new figures showed today.

There were 141,146 cars manufactured in UK factories, a rise of 42.2% over May 2011, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

Car production has increased by 17.3% in the year to date.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT, said: "Car manufacturing in May hit the highest level of output since 2004 posting 42.2% growth, a sizeable recovery against volumes hampered by last year's Japanese tsunami.

"This boost, coupled with robust year-to-year results, demonstrates the strength of the UK automotive manufacturing industry and shows why it continues to attract high levels of international investment."

Engine manufacturing increased by 13.4% last month, taking the total for the year so far to over a million.

The number of commercial vehicles built in May fell by 7.4% to 9,445.

Of the 141,146 cars built in the UK, a total of 120,120, or 85%, were for export.

PA