Brexit boost as exports drive 17-year car production high, figures reveal
THE number of cars built in Britain reached a 17-year high of over 170,000 last month, new figures reveal.
Over 170,000 cars were built in Britain last month
Exports continued to drive the increase, with one car exported every 20 seconds in March.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said firms were investing in low emission diesel cars, adding that motorists should not be penalised for buying a diesel model.
Exports continued to drive the increase as one car was exported every 20 seconds in March
Germany’s VDA head says securing exports to EU is priority
Almost 472,000 cars have been built at UK plants so far this year, an increase of 7.6 per cent on the same period in 2016.
UK car manufacturing is accelerating thanks to billions of pounds of investment
The March figure of 170,691 is 7.3 per cent up on the same month a year ago.
Mike Hawes, SMMT’s chief executive, said: “UK car manufacturing is accelerating thanks to billions of pounds of investment committed over the past few years.
Almost 472,000 cars have been built at UK plants so far this year
“A large proportion are the latest low emission diesels and it's essential for future growth and employment that we encourage these newer, cleaner diesels onto UK roads and avoid penalising consumers who choose diesel for its fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
“Much of our output goes to Europe and it's vital we maintain free trade between the UK and EU or we risk destroying this success story.”