Boost in car production gives a glimmer of cheer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE MOTOR industry yesterday offered the Government a glimmer of hope amid the economic gloom as new figures showed that output from Britain's car factories rose 14.5 per cent last month compared with a year ago, writes Michael Harrison.
Total production in September was nearly 104,000 compared with 90,600 in the same month last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Commercial vehicle output, at 19,228, was also up by more than 17 per cent on last year.
There was less welcome news from the steel industry, however, which reported that production in September fell 10.3 per cent against its level a year ago.
Car production for the depressed UK market remained flat last month at 43,000 but export production rose 25 per cent to nearly 61,000 vehicles.
Industry sources said this was due to increased production for Continental markets at Nissan's Sunderland plant and Vauxhall's UK factories.
The impact, if any, of sterling's devaluation, which would make British-built cars more competitive in overseas markets, is not expected to show up until this month's production figures are published.
The September figures were rushed out after Treasury officials implied that the August fall in industrial output was heavily influenced by declining car production.
Pointing out that car production in the first nine months was nearly 2 per cent up on the same period last year, Sir Hal Miller, the SMMT's chief executive, said: 'If the rest of UK businesses had put as much effort into selling product at home and overseas as the motor industry has done our economy might be moving out of recession.'
Despite the impressive figures, several manufacturers have announced cutbacks in employment and production in recent weeks, the latest being Ford and Lotus on Wednesday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments