New manufacturing data from the SMMT show that, driven by weaker exports to Europe, September saw a fall in automotive production in the UK, with car and commercial vehicle (CV) output down 5.8% and 20.2% year-on-year, respectively, and engine production down 12.8%.
A total of 128,192 cars were produced in September 2012, down 5.8%, although this fall still left the year-to-date total at 1,083,276, which was still 10.2% ahead of the total in the fist nine months of 2011. Production of cars for export in September fell 8.9% to 102,365, leaving the year-to-date total at 888,865 (+9.5%), while production for the domestic market improved 9.0% to 25,827, leaving the January-September 2012 total at 194,411 (+13.3%).
Production of CVs in September totalled 9,607 units, down 20.2%, with the year-to-date total down 7.5% at 82,315. Output for export was down 26.0% in September, at 5,106 units, while production for the domestic market declined 12.5% year-on-year, to 4,501 units. The respective year-to-date totals were 47,896 (-7.5%) and 34,419 (-7.6%).
Total vehicle production in September therefore fell 7.0% year-on-year to 137,799 units, however, year-to-date output was still up 8.7% at 1,165,591.
Total engine production in the latest month was 213,052 units, a decline of 12.8%, leaving the year-to-date total at 1,882,303, a marginal decline of 0.4%.
Paul Everitt, the SMMT Chief Executive commented: “Declining demand for cars and vans across the major European markets impacted UK vehicle and engine production in September. Total UK vehicle manufacturing in the year so far has increased 8.7%, but monthly output fell by 7% in September. The strong demand for UK products outside Europe and the investment committed by major vehicle manufacturers will secure future growth, although the coming months will be challenging for companies at all levels in the supply chain. European governments must focus on securing financial stability and economic growth or they risk long-term damage to key industries.”
