UK car production rose 9% in November, helped by a strong increase in exports, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said on Monday.
This compares with a nearly 1% fall in October when higher exports failed to offset a drop in domestic demand.
A total of 150,084 cars were built last month with an 11% rise in the number of vehicles headed overseas, compared with a 3.4% increase in the amount of cars destined for the UK market. Around four in five cars built in the UK are exported.
“Particularly pleasing is the recent pickup in export production, which is proof that despite challenges in some global markets, the UK continues to build cars that appeal to consumers across the world,” said Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT.
Output stood at 1.47 million in the 11 months to November, making it likely the UK will surpass the total tally of 1.53 million achieved last year once December’s figures come through.
Nissan, Toyota, Honda, BMW Group’s Mini and Rolls-Royce, Volkswagen’s Bentley and Tata’s Jaguar Land Rover are among automakers that build cars in the UK.
