U.K. Car Output Climbs in October as CV Builds Falter

U.K. auto manufacturing regained strength in October on the back of rising exports.

Output rose 6.4% to 148,927 units as exports increased 4.5% to 123,555, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says.

After 10 months, manufacturing was up 8.5% to 1,314,518 units, with exports rising 8.0% to 1,060,294 for 80.7% of production.

SMMT CEO Paul Everitt says several factors could affect manufacturing momentum in the U.K.

“Sustained, high-value investment in (research and development), facilities and new products is paving the way to a prosperous future for U.K. automotive, but there remain significant challenges as European market demand remains weak,” Everitt says in a statement.

“It is essential government continues to focus on boosting economic growth and enhancing U.K. competitiveness.”

Car output increased 6.5% for the month to 137,028 units for a 10-month total up 9.7% to 1,220,304. Builds for export rose 4.7% to 116,899 to account for 85.3% of production.

Year-to-date, car manufacturing was up 9.7% to 1,220,304 units as exports improved 8.9% to 1,005,742.

Commercial-vehicle production fell 5.0% last month to 11,899 units as exports crept up 1.0% to 6,656. This left year-to-date CV builds down 6.1% to 94,214, with exports off 6.5% to 54,552.

Domestic demand saw engine production rise 1.2% in October to 239,011 units even as export shipments fell 6.5% to 144,206. After 10 months, engine output slipped 0.2% to 2,121,314 units, pulled lower by a 12.5% drop in exports to 1,324,802.