Car production getting over slump with 28% rise

The number of cars made in Britain last month increased 28.6% on June last year, it was announced today.

A total of 117,938 cars were produced, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said.

Commercial vehicle production also rose last month, up 24.9% to 10,656, while engine production was up 18.1%.

Sales and production dipped sharply in the first half of 2009, but the first six months of this year have been a comparative boom-time for the motor industry.

Car production for the first half of this year is 55% ahead of last year's total, while CV production is 49.6% up and engine production has risen 35.3%.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said today: "UK automotive production rose in June with steady improvement across the car, commercial vehicle and engine sectors against a weak 2009.

"Continued investment in new products and technology is helping to sustain growth for the sector while rising demand from export and home markets is maintaining momentum.

"The coming months remain uncertain and sustaining economic recovery in major markets around the world remains the industry's top priority."