U.K. Vehicle Output Off in August, Still Up Full-Year

U.K. vehicle production fell 7.0% in August to 86,185 units, but year-to-date was up 11.2% to 1,027,792, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says.

Passenger-car output fell 8.9% to 78,577 units, for an 8-month total up 12.7% to 955,084. Conversely, production in the light-commercial-vehicle segment rose 18.3% to 7,608 units in August, but was down 5.5% to 72,708 on the year.

U.K. engine output rose 12.5% in August to 149,024 units for an 8-month uptick of 1.5% to 1,669,251.

“Volumes are traditionally low and variable in August as manufacturers use the holiday period to undertake important maintenance and facility upgrades,” SMMT CEO Paul Everitt says in a statement.

“Continued weak demand in Europe is a concern, although significant new investment and stronger demand from better-performing global markets will ensure U.K. output continues on an upward trend.”

U.K. vehicle exports, which accounted for 76.3% of the August production, slipped 7.2% to 65,722 units but remained up 11.4% year-to-date to 829,290.

Car exports slid 8.1% for the month to 61,812 units, leaving the 8-month total up 12.5% to 786,500. CV exports rose 11.0% to 3,860 last month but were down 4.6% year-on-year to 42,790.

Engine manufacturers saw August exports fall 1.2% for the month to 87,286 units, dropping the 8-month total 11.8% to 1,052,969.

SMMT predicts full-year U.K. car sales will rise 1.6% from like-2011 to 1.97 million units, with LCV deliveries tumbling 9.3% to 236,000. It sees 2013 car sales edging up 1.0% from the 2012 forecast to 1.99 million units and LCVs recovering 6.1% to 250,300.