The UK continues to produce record numbers of cars for the home market and to export.

UK CAR MANUFACTURING (data for April 2015)

• April sees UK car production hit 500,000 in 2015, boosted by robust domestic market.
• Year-to-date output stable, with billions of pounds of investments still to be realised in production volumes.
• Number of cars produced for British customers up 11.1% in April to 29,930 units.

New figures released today show the UK surpassed the 500,000 milestone for car production this April, with 530,505 new cars built so far this year. Production for the domestic market is up 19.4% in the first four months of the year, reflecting strong performance in the UK new car market. 

The figures come as the UK automotive industry gears up for a wave of new models following billions of pounds worth of recent investment into the UK. Among the global manufacturers investing in UK production are Bentley, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover and MINI – all with new products due to roll off production lines in the next few months.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “UK car production has escalated in recent years and continues to perform steadily in 2015. Manufacturers across the country are poised to see yet more growth following multi billion pound investments and, providing global markets perform well, output is on track to reach record levels in the next few years.”

Car manufacturing	Apr-14	Apr-15	% Change	YTD-14	YTD-15	% Change
Total	133,437	128,312	-3.8%	538,240	530,505	-1.4%
Home	26,930	29,930	11.1%	113,435	135,445	19.4%
Export	106,507	98,382	-7.6%	424,805	395,060	-7.0%
% export	79.8%	76.7%		78.6%	74.5%

 Car output – rolling year totals total vs home

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media. 

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for more than £64 billion turnover and£12 billion value added. With more than 160,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and in excess of770,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 11% of total UK export of goods and invests£1.9 billion each year in automotive R&D. More than 30 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by around 2,500 component providers and some of the world's most skilled engineers.