U.K. Engine Output Jumps 20% to Set November Record

U.K. engine manufacturing rose 20.0% year-over-year in November to a record 250,879 units.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says domestic demand fueled the growth, up 36.1% in the month to 110,497 units. This pushed the 11-month build for the home front up 32.9% to 1,057,263 – the first time output has topped seven figures.

The export build in November rose 9.7% to 140,382 units, leaving the year-to-date total down 6.4% at 1,329,781.

The combined 11-month total was up 7.7% at 2,387,044.

SMMT CEO Mike Hawes says the surge in demand for U.K.-built engines follows billions of pounds of recent investment in new plants to serve Britain’s booming vehicle-manufacturing sector.

“However, although domestic supply is growing rapidly – up some 70% since records began in 2001 – overseas demand still accounts for more than half of production,” Hawes says in a statement.

“If this important sector’s growth is to continue, the right trading conditions must be maintained to keep the whole industry internationally competitive.”