UK car production rose 3.5% month on month to 158,773 units in March though year to date volume was off 5.5% to 409,089, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

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Car exports were up 8.8% to 119,658 last month and 1.3% to 301,337 for the quarter.


Commercial vehicle sales rose 8.6% to 21,319 in March and 4.2% to 57,693 for Q1.


CV exports were up 9.7% for March (13,782) and 11% (37,723) YTD.


“With sad news at [Peugeot’s plant at] Ryton and TVR [relocating after half the workforce was laid off] this month, we might be tempted to conclude that car making is in terminal decline. Yet, the truth is very different”, said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan.

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“Production is increasing at key UK plants, and these latest figures reveal the first month-on-month rise in total car output this year. We should remain positive about the future.


“This week has seen the launch of significant new UK-built trucks and vans at the commercial vehicle show in Birmingham.


“Models like the Ford Transit, a new DAF truck, and a zero emissions van built in the West Midlands demonstrate the breadth of the sector. In an export-dominated market, this should boost prosperity in the months and years to come.”