Brakes on UK car production

London - UK car production slowed slightly in the first four months of 2015, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Overall, 530,505 cars have been produced in the year to date, down 1.4 percent from the equivalent period in 2014.

There was also a year-on-year overall manufacturing drop recorded in April. In all, 128,312 cars were made in April 2015, down 3.8 percent from the April 2014 figure of 133,437.

However, production for the domestic market was up 19.4 percent in the first four months of the year compared to 2014, with 135,445 cars produced for the home market.

The number of cars produced for UK customers was also up 11.1 percent year-on-year to 29,930 units in April 2015.

The figures came as the UK automotive industry geared up for a wave of new models following recent investment into the UK. Among the global manufacturers who have invested 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.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes 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.”