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UK car production at seven-year high, SMMT says | UK car production at seven-year high, SMMT says |
(about 2 hours later) | |
UK car production hit a seven-year high in the first half of the year, the industry's trade body has said. | UK car production hit a seven-year high in the first half of the year, the industry's trade body has said. |
In total 793,642 cars were built between January and June, up by 0.3% on a year ago, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. | In total 793,642 cars were built between January and June, up by 0.3% on a year ago, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. |
It marks the best half-year since 2008, and means three cars a minute were made in the period, the SMMT said. | It marks the best half-year since 2008, and means three cars a minute were made in the period, the SMMT said. |
In June, the number of cars made rose 5.4% on a year ago, with demand for exports driving the increase. | In June, the number of cars made rose 5.4% on a year ago, with demand for exports driving the increase. |
In contrast, demand for cars in the UK fell 7.1% in June on the year. | |
Overall, production volumes have risen by more than 50% since 2009, the SMMT said. | Overall, production volumes have risen by more than 50% since 2009, the SMMT said. |
It said new models and "significant" planned investments meant it expected the industry to continue to grow. | It said new models and "significant" planned investments meant it expected the industry to continue to grow. |
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the figures showed that the UK's investment in high-tech manufacturing had paid off. | SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the figures showed that the UK's investment in high-tech manufacturing had paid off. |
"This success has been built on significant industry investment and has also relied on a positive relationship with government, essential if the industry is to maintain its international competitiveness," he added. | "This success has been built on significant industry investment and has also relied on a positive relationship with government, essential if the industry is to maintain its international competitiveness," he added. |