U.K. Engine Output Slips in May

U.K. engine manufacturing topped the 1 million-unit mark for the year in May, though total production, at 1,038,110, is down 4.1% from like-2014, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says.

May production of 190,891 engines was off 10.6% from year-ago.

SMMT CEO Mike Hawes says the drop came as new plants gear up for production, with the U.K.’s latest low-emission Euro 6 engines poised to drive exports.

“Although May registered a drop in production, it is encouraging that despite retooling efforts for Euro 6 production, volumes surpassed the all-important 1 million-unit mark last month,” Hawes says in a statement.

“We are optimistic that growth will return to the sector over the coming months as U.K.-produced Euro-6 manufacture gets under way ahead of the September deadline and major new engine plants come on stream later in the year.”

Production in May for the home market fell 5.2% to 69,384 units for a 5-month total down 3.7% at 362,981 units.

The export order book fell 13.5% for the month to 121,477 units, resulting in a year-to-date total down 4.3% at 675,129.