U.K.’s November LV Output Slips Below Break-Even
Car production for the U.K. market jumped 31.8%, but the overall November result dipped into negative territory thanks to a 6.2% drop in builds for export.
U.K. car manufacturing fell marginally in November with growth for the home market unable to offset a decline on the export side.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says the month’s output slid 277 units, or 0.2%, to 137,347. It lowered year-to-date production 0.3% to 1,419,427 units.
“Model changes and economic uncertainty in export markets have flattened U.K. car production, but the industry remains in a strong position with growth expected to return next year,” SMMT CEO Mike Hawes says in a statement.
“Global demand for U.K. automotive engineering continues to be at a high level, and manufacturing plants are seeing the benefits of significant recent investments.”
The month’s production for the domestic market rose 31.8% to 28,628 units for an 11-month total up 2.1% to 299,517.
The export book was down 6.2% for the month to 108,719 units for a year-to-date total off 1.0% at 1,119,910.
Commercial-vehicle builds fell 0.7% in November to 7,073 units, leaving the year-to-date total down 21.6% at 65,054.
Hawes says the signs remain positive for U.K. CV production after many months of decline.
“The strong U.K. market is driving the turnaround, while export markets continue to struggle,” he says. “We anticipate 2015 to be a better year as new models ramp up and the effects of last year’s restructuring no longer apply.”
The CV build for the domestic market rose 12.4% last month to 4,208 units, lowering the 11-month total 15.4% to 33,064.
Production for export slumped 15.2% in November to 2,865 units, leaving the year-to-date total off 26.9% at exactly 32,000.
The SMMT says retooling continues to affect U.K. engine production with November seeing a 12.6% drop to 202,132 units. Year-to-date output was down 7.0% to 2,235,331.
Production for the domestic market fell 1.1% to 89,227 units for an 11-month total down 13.0% at 845,738 units.
The export book was 20.0% lighter in November at 112,905 units, leaving the year-to-date total down 2.9% at 1,389,593.
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