91³ÉÈË

Car production dips in October but optimism reigns

Provisional output data released today by the Office for National Statistics shows:

• Car production fell 7.6 per cent in October; year-to-date volumes down 2.7 per cent
• Production for export rose 0.5 per cent over the year-to-date, but fell in October

‘Overall, car production figures continue to reflect losses at MG Rover’, said 91³ÉÈË chief executive Christopher Macgowan. ‘But two recent landmarks, the new Civic at Swindon and production of the two millionth Toyota at Burnaston, should send a signal that car production in the UK is still healthy. 91³ÉÈË’s latest issues survey shows that car and commercial vehicle makers are optimistic about the future, despite concerns about the cost burden of legislation and a transport infrastructure that hinders competitiveness.’

Exports help stabilise 2005 CV production

Provisional output data for October released today by the Office for National Statistics shows:

• October CV production down 1.1 per cent on October 2004
• Export production up 1.8 per cent on October 2004; year-to-date remains on par with 2004
• Rolling annual total of 208,190 units at year-to-October

‘Commercial vehicle production in October remained within a few hundred units of last October,’ said Christopher Macgowan, 91³ÉÈË chief executive. ‘The sector remains in good shape, despite no overall increase in 2005, partly due to a fall in demand from European buyers. We’ve seen a small fall in production volumes of late but expect 2005 full year production to be close to 210,000 units.’

The table below shows UK car production figures.

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