October U.K. Output Up, Despite LCV Slip

U.K. auto makers record another positive month in October, as vehicle production climbs 12.5% to 139,991 units and passenger-car output reaches its highest level since March.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says the October result raised the 10-month total 5.1% to 1,212,264 units.

U.K. passenger-car output up 14.1% in October.

Car output increased 14.1% in the month to 128,654 units and was up 5.8% to 1,111,901 year-to-date.

Some 83% of the production, or 923,287 vehicles, were exported.

Perhaps reflecting the business climate, commercial-vehicle output dipped 2.9% to 11,337 units in October and was down 2.7% to 100,363 through the year’s first 10 months.

U.K. engine production rose 12.0% in October to 236,248 units and was up 5.7% over the first 10 months to 2,125,624.

Exports accounted for 71.2% of the output, or 1,514,462.

“Strong export demand for U.K.-built cars and engines is good news for the economy during this difficult period,” society CEO Paul Everitt says in a statement.

But he says weak domestic market demand is a cause for concern and asks that the government encourage private-sector investment to boost economic growth.