- Car manufacturing rose 0.3% in March, and was up 12.3% over the first quarter.
- CV output fell by 21.3% in March, and was down 9.6% over the first three months of the year.
- UK engine production fell by 8.7% in March and by 0.5% over the year-to-date.
“Car production held firm in March contributing to 12.3% growth during the first quarter of 2012. Challenging economic conditions in mainland Europe are a concern, but the sector continues to win business in important and faster growing export markets,’’ said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “The prospects for the UK motor industry are extremely good with new investment, commitment and jobs being created by global automotive companies.’’
| SMMT | Cars | Commercial Vehicles | Total Vehicles | Total Engines | ||||
| Data. | Mar-12 | YTD-12 | Mar-12 | YTD-12 | Mar-12 | YTD-12 | Mar-12 | YTD-12 |
| Total | 135,456 | 401,134 | 9,648 | 29,086 | 145,104 | 430,220 | 227,957 | 681,966 |
| % change | 0.3% | 12.3% | -21.3% | -9.6% | -1.5% | 10.5% | -8.7% | -0.5% |
| Export | 107,785 | 327,226 | 5,941 | 17,314 | 113,726 | 344,540 | 156,672 | 451,294 |
| % change | -1.8% | 10.2% | -26.2% | -13.8% | -3.5% | 8.7% | -12.2% | -7.0% |
| % of total | 79.6% | 81.6% | 61.6% | 59.5% | 78.4% | 80.1% | 68.7% | 66.2% |
| Home | 27,671 | 73,908 | 3,707 | 11,772 | 31,378 | 85,680 | 71,285 | 230,672 |
| % change | 9.3% | 22.5% | -12.0% | -2.4% | 6.3% | 18.3% | 0.0% | 15.5% |
| % of total | 20.4% | 18.4% | 38.4% | 40.5% | 21.6% | 19.9% | 31.3% | 33.8% |
