More new cars roll off production lines

New car production has increased for the third month in a row as shortages of supplies such as semiconductors continued to ease, new figures show.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data shows 66,527 new vehicles were produced – an increase of almost 6,000 on the same month last year.

Exports drove production-rising by 14.7% to 54,820 vehicles, meaning more than four out of five cars built in this country go overseas.

The European Union remained the most important global market, taking 58% of all exports, followed by the US, China and Australia.

Mike Haw es, SM MT Chief Executive, said, "UK car production is starting to motor again, good news for the sector and the many thousands of jobs it sustains.

"These figures also show how exports, particularly to Europe, continue to be the foundation of British automotive manufacturing so we must do all we can to safeguardthe competitiveness of these trading relationships.

"Most immediately, this means finding a solution to the rules of origin challenge faced by manufacturers on both sides of the Channel, else we risk the application of tariffs - and unnecessary cost - on the very vehicles we are trying to encourage consumers to purchase."

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: "It's great to see our automotive sector kicking up a gear, selling more cars to the world, and supporting thousands of vital jobs.

"We're committed to maintaining competitive trading relationships to continue boosting exports and secure valuable investment ."