The United Kingdom has tipped the 80% mark for exportation of motor vehicles, which is great for the economy.

UK CAR MANUFACTURING (data for October 2016)

• UK car manufacturing dips -1.0% in October to 151,795 units as domestic demand falls.
• Exports rise for 15^th consecutive month, with 122,765 cars built for overseas markets, up 1.7%.¹
• Industry remains strong, up 9.2% year-to-date with more than 1.4 million vehicles produced.

UK car manufacturing dipped -1.0% in October, ending a 14-month run of growth for the industry, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).²

151,795 vehicles were built in the month, with production for export growing taking an 80.9% share of volumes. 122,765 cars were shipped to overseas customers, an uplift of 1.7% on the same month last year, and offsetting a -10.9% decline in production for the home market. 

Despite the fall, domestic demand remains strong, with production in the year so far up 3.3% and at its highest level since 2005.³ Overall production levels, meanwhile, achieved a 17 year record of 1,444,248 – up 9.2%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “October's figures underline the export-led nature of the industry, with eight out of 10 cars built for overseas customers. Despite model changes which have ended the consistent growth pattern of the past year or so, we are still on track for a record number of exports.

“Given this dependence on global trade, it is crucial that British-built cars remain attractive to international buyers and exports are not subject to additional tariffs, costs and other barriers to successful trade. It is also essential government ensures there is economic stability and a competitive business environment to ensure we continue to attract the global investment that is behind this performance.”

1. UK car export volumes have risen in every month since July 2015
2. UK car manufacturing last fell in July 2015
3. October 2005, when 363,513 units were produced for the domestic market

November UK Car production grows at 9%, after Octobers 1% drop, the year is heading to an overall growth.

UK car production rose 9 percent in November, helped by a strong increase in exports, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said today. This compares with a nearly 1 percent fall in October when higher exports failed to offset a drop in domestic demand.

A total of 150,084 cars were built last month with an 11 percent rise in the number of vehicles headed overseas, compared with a 3.4 percent increase in the amount of cars destined for the UK market. Around four in five cars built in the UK are exported.

"Particularly pleasing is the recent pick-up in export production, which is proof that despite challenges in some global markets, the UK continues to build cars that appeal to consumers across the world," said Mike Hawes, CEO of the SMMT.

Output stood at 1.47 million in the 11 months to November, making it likely the UK will surpass the total tally of 1.53 million achieved last year once December's figures come through.

Nissan, Toyota, Honda, BMW Group's Mini and Rolls-Royce, Volkswagen's Bentley, as well as Tata's Jaguar Land Rover, are among the automakers that build cars in the UK.

Automotive News Europe contributed to this report

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MMMmmmmm, Morgan, Jaguar, MINI, Morgan, Jaguar, MINI, NO, it is the Mitsuoka Roadster, PASS......

In mid June 2015, Mitsuoka Motor's "classic" Mitsuoka Roadster will be making its European debut as it launches in the UK under the exclusive distribution of T W White & Sons and will be on display in a number of their showrooms located across Surrey, South London and Kent.

Developed by pushing the boundaries of conventional design, the Mitsuoka Roadster completely revolutionises the World's expectations of a true modern day classic sports car. 

Featuring a British sporting design of elegant flowing lines, the Mitsuoka Roadster combines timeless styling with advanced levels of modern technology, safety and comfort.

The 2.0 litre Coupe is available with either a 6 speed manual transmission gearbox or a 6 speed automatic Powershift gearbox - which can be driven effortlessly in the auto mode selection or by using the easy paddle shift controls.

Rear wheel drive with an admirable high power to weight ratio, the Roadster is fully equipped with the latest technology, advanced safety features and modern conveniences. It sports the World's fastest power-retractable hard top - opening and closing in 12 seconds with just the flick of a switch.

Luxury heated leather seats are standard - as is automatic climate control air conditioning. Safety and security is at the forefront of the Roadsters design - four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS) are all naturally standard, as are the front and side airbags and the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS).

Jen White, Mitsuoka Project Manager for T W White & Sons said, "The UK represents one of the largest classic car markets in the World. The unique design of the Mitsuoka Roadster draws inspiration from the classic Roadster heritage and combines this traditional styling with the latest state of the art technology."

Founded in 1968 by Susumu Mitsuoka, Mitsuoka Motor Company are a unique Japanese Automobile manufacturer who until recently have been largely unknown outside of Japan. 

Mitsuoka Motor produce small volumes of hand built luxury vehicles in their Japanese factory by skilled craftsmen. It is a company of craftsmanship, luxury and elegance, where timeless classic cars are created with soul and passion.

"We share in the philosophy and passion of Susumu Mitsuoka and genuinely believe that the Mitsuoka Roadster can make a real impression on those that want exclusive luxury - albeit at a very competitive price," White said.

The Mitsuoka Roadster is available with Power Retractable Hard Top - with manual or automatic transmission at the standard price of £53,800 on the road. Metallic or Pearlescent paint is an additional £620. All prices are inclusive of VAT.

Wilton Classic Car show this weekend is going be a great event.

Visitors to this weekend’s (June 6/7) Wilton Classic & Supercar show are set to be wowed by some of the most extravagant, historic, expensive and amazing cars in the world.

The two day event in Wiltshire will showcase millions of pounds of classic cars and supercars. There will also be the most impressive Bugatti collection ever assembled and the first appearance together of the McLaren of Senna and Prost’s Ferrari since they famously crashed in the Japanese Grand Prix 25 years ago.

The 10^th anniversary of the Bugatti Veyron will be celebrated in style with 16 of the world’s most amazing exhibits in the CARS Bugatti Display.

The collection ranges from the oldest Bugatti racing car – Ettore Bugatti’s 1913 Type 18 which is a five litre chain driven car right through to the Veyron Pur Sang.

The Bugatti line-up includes the 1926 Type 41 Royale which has been painstakingly built around the original chassis. There is also the 1931 Type 54 Grand Prix car, one of only four examples in existence and the most original.

Highlights of the Wilton Classic & Supercar with Castrol EDGE are also set to include a LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder, the Koenigsegg One:1, Ferrari F40 and Lamborghini Aventador together with a Ferrari 250GT California Spyder and Alfa Romeo 8c.

There will also be the first public viewing of an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Zagato Prototype which was discovered recently in the USA after 50 years and the Bloodhound Project car ahead of its world record attempt later this year. 

Bloodhound driver Andy Green will be at the show on the Sunday to talk to visitors about the amazing project.

“The line-up this year is truly outstanding,” said Lord Pembroke who hosts the event in the grounds of his Wiltshire home – Wilton House. 

“Every year we attract more and more of the world’s most exciting and exotic cars and we have had to expand to become a two day event to accommodate so many wonderful cars.”

In addition to the cars there will be interactive displays, a live car restoration project, live music and a wide range of exhibitors showcasing everything from the latest new cars through to motoring art.

There will also be arena displays from the Bolddog FMX Team, the UK's number one freestyle motocross team.

Event ambassador Tiff Needell will be on hand to host the daily parade interview sessions and talk to visitors about a whole host of motoring-related topics.

“The event has become a real mecca for motoring fans and families looking for a great day out and the line-up this year should offer something for everyone,” said Lord Pembroke.

More than 500 cars will be on display throughout the weekend with 150 classics on the main lawn on the Saturday and 150 supercars taking centre stage on the Sunday.

UK exports to China have grown seven fold since 2009, Now 1.2 Million cars are exported.

• Automotive sector now has greater share of UK exports than ever before at 11.2%
• China is the largest single market for British-built cars after the UK
• Number of car sales to Asia trebled in five years
• UK exported just under 1.2 million cars to more than 100 countries in 2014

Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that exports of cars to China have increased seven-fold since 2009. In 2014,137,410 UK-built cars were exported to China, an increase of 14.5% over 2013. Only the UK bought more British-built cars than China last year, with exports to China greater than combined UK exports to Brazil, India and Russia.

The trend in China reflects substantial growth in the wider Asian market, with the number of UK-built cars exported to Asia having more than trebled in five years. In 2014, the UK exported 220,682 cars to the region, compared to 60,804 in 2009. Asia is now the UK automotive industry’s largest export market after Europe, with 18.5% of all cars destined for the region.

In 2014 the automotive sector represented a greater share of total UK exports than ever before, accounting for 11.2% of revenue, valued at £26.2 billion.  The UK exported 1,195,190 cars to more than 100 countries worldwide last year, marking a 54.7% increase over 2009, when 772,210 cars were exported.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Economic growth in Asia over the last five years has seen demand for new cars accelerate massively. A desire for high-quality premium vehicles with a strong brand heritage has placed the UK in a prime position to take advantage of this emerging market. The British car industry’s success in the region is down to the quality of our globally competitive products built with our engineering excellence and our highly skilled workforce. The strength and importance of the UK automotive sector to the UK economy is self-evident and automotive exports at 11.2 % are the highest share of UK exports in history.”

Drivers of export growth

Economic growth in a number of Asian markets such as China has led to an increased demand for high-quality and luxury vehicles. The UK has a rich heritage of producing premium vehicles which it has taken advantage of in recent years. Significant investment in brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, McLaren and Rolls-Royce, mean that 60% of all UK-built models on offer are from premium manufacturers.

Not only has growth in the Asian market seen a surge in UK exports, it has also helped the average export value of UK-built cars increase from £10,200 in 2004 to £21,900 in 2014.  

Export volumes by region  

	2014	2009	% change
EU28	634,168	535,908	18.3
Asia	220,682	60,804	262.9
America	151,472	94,716	59.9
Other Europe	136,516	52,861	158.3
Australasia	25,565	11,072	130.9
Africa	21,067	13,450	-17.6

Top 10 Asian export markets
  

	2014	2009	% change
China	137,410	19,417	607.7
Japan	16,625	12,195	36.3
South Korea	13,337	2,315	476.1
United Arab Emirates	9,619	2,570	274.3
Saudi Arabia	3,138	787	298.7
Taiwan	3,105	543	471.8
India	2,836	309	817.8
Kuwait	2,548	1,259	102.4
Hong Kong	2,362	551	328.7
Qatar	2,085	457	356.7

There has been growth in almost all Asian export markets since 2009. The number of cars exported to South Korea has increased five-fold, making it the UK’s eighth largest export market outside of Europe – up from 16^th in 2009.

Export volumes are still modest in a number of Asian markets, with the majority of countries enforcing high import duty to drive local production. However, there has been significant growth in the number of cars exported to most Asian countries, underlining the strong appetite for UK-built