Internal Report Applauds U.K. Auto Industry

U.K. auto makers have increased production volumes, turnover, investment levels and number of employees.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says the industry did all this while making major strides in reducing the environmental footprint of its products and manufacturing processes.

Ford Dagenham complex minimizes U.K. environmental footprint.

SMMT says the industry’s 12th annual sustainability report, which analyzed the industry’s economic, environmental and social performance in 2010, shows significant year-over-year improvements.

The report, based on data from the industry group’s 18 signatory companies, shows manufacturing turnover rose 20% to £49 billion ($76.7 billion) as output climbed 27.8% to return to pre-recession volumes.

Vehicle exports jumped 31% to a value of £29 billion ($45.4 billion).

Energy use and manufacturing waste sent to landfills both declined 8% per vehicle, while carbon-dioxide emissions from production activities fell 10.5%.

New apprenticeships increased 9%, adding to the 737,000 jobs dependent on the automotive sector.

“We are making significant steps towards creating a globally competitive U.K. automotive sector, while keeping an eye on improving our environmental credentials to ensure a strong, long-term future for the industry,” SMMT CEO Paul Everitt says in a statement.

“Manufacturing is vital to a rebalanced economy and cleaner, greener processes will support the transition to a low-carbon future.”

Everitt says while the auto industry continues to attract major international investment, create high-value jobs and lessen its environmental impact, the U.K. must remain focused on competing globally to secure future growth.

“We must incentivize private-sector investment in research and development, training and equipment and ensure our commitment to be a leader in low-carbon manufacturing supports our international competitiveness,” he says.