UK car production rose 46.6% in March, the first increase after 18 months of decline, with 115,498 cars manufactured, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). March output for the domestic market rose 19.4% to 20,269 units with exports also increasing, up 54.1% to 95,229 units. More than eight-in-10 (82.5%) cars were sent overseas in March. The EU remained by far the number one market for UK-made cars, with more than half (51.9%) of exports heading across the Channel.

UK commercial vehicle (CV) production also increased in March, by 16.9%, as 6166 units left factory gates, thus indicating the CV sector’s first month of growth since September 2020. In addition, March UK engine production climbed 31.7% compared with the same month last year. Engine output for domestic and overseas markets increased 50.4% and 19.9% respectively.

For further information www.smmt.co.uk