New research shows that a new car is being built in the UK as frequently as every 16 seconds, thanks to a boost in local production.
Significant production increase
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), over 159,000 cars rolled off British production line in the month of March 2016. That’s nearly 10 per cent more compared to the same month last year and the highest figure recorded for 12 years.
In the entire first quarter of 2016, 440,000 cars were manufactured in Britain, representing a 10.3 per cent increase on the first quarter of last year.
Exports also grew slightly more than the home market with an 11 per cent increase. The SMMT adds that car works are now putting in record levels of productivity and the organisation anticipates 38,000 new jobs will be created in the car industry by 2020.
As a sign of how strong Britain’s car industry currently is, Land Rover recently revealed that since it launched the Evoque in 2011 it has built 506,657 examples of the crossover. This makes it the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time. Such is the demand for the Evoque, Land Rover has been running 24/7 shifts at its production plant in Halewood so they can build as many Evoques as possible.
Reasons for concern and optimism
However, the SMMT has also highlighted some factors that could potentially disrupt the growth of UK car production. Concerns over the effect on supplies if Tata steel plants close or if the British industry leave the European Union are highlighted.
SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: “Much will depend on economic and political conditions in key markets but, with several brand new global models starting production here in the first quarter alone, the prospects for future growth look bright.”
Hawes optimistically pointed to upcoming projects in Wales, where production of cars hasn’t taken place since 1973 but will benefit from £240 million of investments in the not-too-distant future from Aston Martin, TVR and Toyota.
