Car output hits bump

BRITAIN’S car industry slammed into reverse last month but output so far this year remains at its highest since 2000 after strong export growth.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders blamed the late Easter bank holiday for April’s 18.2 per cent decline from the previous year as 122,116 vehicles rolled off lines.

But year-to-date output is up 1 per cent at 593,796, with 3.5 per cent higher demand from overseas buyers offset by a 7 per cent fall at home. Nearly 77 per cent of all cars made this year have been shipped abroad, mainly to the EU.