Car production 'falls 47.5%'
Motor trades
22nd January 2009
The production of new cars and commercial vehicles fell by almost 50 per cent last month, new figures released today (January 22nd) have shown.
In December, the number of cars manufactured fell 47.5 per cent compared with the previous year, meaning overall production for 2008 fell by 5.7 per cent.
Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the figures demonstrate both the strength of the motor trade and the significant fall in demand during the last quarter of 2008.
"UK facilities are globally competitive with high productivity levels and hugely attractive model line-ups," he said, adding: "Exports account for 75 per cent of all UK vehicle production, serving more than 100 markets around the world."
In related news, it has emerged that carmakers in France are to benefit from state aid to the tune of €6 billion (£5.5 billion).
