UK new vehicle production rose 4.7% in January

Total UK vehicle production reached 143,791 units, up 4.7% on January 2006. Of total car output of 124,197 units, 14,888 or 76.4% were destined for export markets. 11,419 units or 58.3% of a total UK commercial vehicle output of 15,954 units were built for export.

"New car production in the UK rose by 4.3% (year on year) in January – the first increase since May 2006", said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, today, adding that commercial vehicle volumes rose 7.9%.

"We are starting to see a degree of stability develop in car production volumes, following major restructuring and new model introductions last year. Growth came from vehicles destined for export, reflecting the continued importance of the British car industry to the global market."

"Despite a fall in the production of heavy trucks, overall we saw a healthy 7.9% rise in total commercial vehicle volumes in January 2007", continued Mr Macgowan; "Vans continue to flex their muscles in the commercial vehicle arena, with a marked increase in units destined for the home market."