UK car production down 30.9% in 2009
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Friday, 22, Jan 2010 01:04
By Sarah Garrod
Despite an excellent December for car production, the overall figure for 2009 was down "significantly" on 2008.
UK car production fell 30.9 per cent in 2009, as the recession took hold, with the year ahead "remaining challenging" according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Despite a disappointing year for the industry, car output was buoyed following the scrappage scheme, with output in December rising by 58.5 per cent; its biggest rise since May 1976.
For the first time the SMMT also published engine production data, with engine manufacturers producing 2,053,456 engines in 2009. Of those 74.3 per cent were exported, and petrol engines accounted for 63 per cent of total production versus 37 per cent diesel.
"Despite the severe impact that the recession has had on the country's economy, there were twice as many engines built in the UK than new cars," said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
"Most importantly, this underlines the significant role the UK plays in global automotive manufacturing and demonstrates the sheer scale of the motor industry in the UK.
"We expect the year ahead to be extremely challenging, but the return of economic growth and a competitive exchange rate will help UK producers. Car and commercial vehicle production remain well below pre-recession levels and it is essential that there continues to be a focus on creating more and better priced finance for businesses and consumers."