UK car production has reached its highest level since 1999 with more than 1.6 million vehicles manufactured this year so far, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show.
Last month, nearly 170,000 models were built in UK factories, a 12.8 per cent rise on last year and the best performance for some time - 17 years to be precise.
Output is up across the board, both domestically and elsewhere. Domestic production rose 14 per cent to 33,745 units and exports grew by 12.5 per cent.
Dealers hoping to continue to cash in on the market, which looks healthy, may want to expand their operations and stock more vehicles. This can result in increased sales, but dealers need to update their dealership insurance policy to reflect any new stock.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Made in Britain is a badge coveted by car buyers worldwide, and these latest figures highlight not just that international appeal but the fact that the UK is a globally competitive place to make cars.
“These latest results are the product of significant investments made over the past few years, but which will continue only if we can maintain the competitive trading conditions that have enabled the UK to become an automotive success story.”
Commenting on the figures, the government said the UK's car industry has benefited from Nissan's decision to build two of its cars - the Qashqai and X-trail - at its Sunderland plant, which has secured thousands of jobs.
Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: "Our car manufacturing industry is going from strength to strength and today’s figures are further proof of this.
"With production reaching its highest level this century and exports up again, there is no better time to thank our hard working men and women across the auto sector who have made this possible."
