Exports Drive Rise in U.K. April Output

Export demand raises U.K. vehicle production 8.8% in April to 103,265 units, putting the year-to-date figure ahead 10.3% to 534,058.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says passenger-car builds increased 9.3% to 94,352 units in April for a 4-month total up 11.8% to 495,774.

Commercial-vehicle output grew 3.2% to 8,913 units, but was off 6.1% to 38,284 over the January-April period.

U.K. engine production showed a 1.2% uptick for April to 192,408 units and the 4-month total rising 1.7% to 890,154.

SMMT CEO Paul Everitt says in a statement the April increases were the result of strong export demand. “Sustained investment is delivering desirable products to markets around the world.”

U.K. passenger-car exports climbed 9.9% to 80,936 units in April for a year-to-date total up 10.1% to 408,081.

Exports of CVs gained 7.8% for the month to 5,782 units but were down 9.2% after four months to 23,107.

The number of engines exported declined 16.7% in April to 126,137 units, pushing the 4-month total down 9.5% to 576,131.