Figures released by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that a total of 135,052 cars were produced in the UK in March, a 14.8% increase on the same period in 2010 and is up 13% over the first quarter of the year.
UK engine production also increased by 6.5% in March and by 9.4% over the first quarter.
However the devastating effect of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami has resulted in Honda and Toyota cutting back production because of a lack of parts so this trend is unlikely to continue.
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “UK automotive manufacturing demonstrated encouraging growth across the car and engine sectors in March, continuing the strong performance of quarter one,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “The eighth consecutive monthly rise in car output and robust export demand indicate long-term strength and stability in the sector. However, recent announcements from UK-based manufacturers impacted by the Japanese earthquake are likely to see output drop in the short-term.”
Source: SMMT
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