UK car production was up by almost 15 per cent in March, the latest automotive production figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reveal
Total car output rose by 14.8 per cent in March 2011 and was up 13.0 per cent over quarter one. Engine production in the UK also increased by 6.5 per cent in the month and by 9.4 per cent in quarter one.
The SMMT’s figures only back up what Nissan plant workers have been experiencing for months.
Strong demand for the UK-built Qashqai and Juke models, not to mention the Note, means the Sunderland factory is working flat-out to fulfil customers waiting lists, and gears up to build the LEAF in 2013.
‘UK automotive manufacturing demonstrated encouraging growth across the car and engine sectors in March, continuing the strong performance of quarter one,’ said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive.
‘The eighth consecutive monthly rise in car output and robust export demand indicate long-term strength and stability in the sector. However, recent announcements from UK-based manufacturers impacted by the Japanese earthquake are likely to see output drop in the short-term.’
Commercial vehicle output fell by 6.0 per cent in March, however, and was down 0.8 per cent over the first three months of the year.