UK car production at highest for 17 years

UK car production achieved a 17-year high last year, according to the latest figures published by SMMT.

1,722,698 vehicles rolled off production lines last year from some 15 manufacturers, an 8.5 per cent increase on total production in 2015, and the highest output since 1999.

Ten brand new car models began production in the UK last year, nine of them from premium brands which has helped make the UK the second biggest producer of premium cars after Germany and the third biggest car producer in Europe.

However, total committed investment annoncements in the automotive sector in 2016 were approximately £1.66 billion, down from £2.5 billion in 2015.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "The tremendous growth in UK production is testament to the global competitiveness of the UK automotive sector. High class engineering, advanced technology and a workforce committed to quality have helped turn around the industry, making the UK among the most productive places in Europe to make cars.

"Significant investment in new plants and products over the past few years has driven this growth, not a post-Brexit bounce. We want trade deals but they must be the right deals, not rushed deals. Failure to do so could damage UK automotive manufacturing beyond repair."