Note to Broadcasters: SMMT Has an ISDN Studio

Note to broadcasters: SMMT has an ISDN studio

UK AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING

17 March 2011
NEWS RELEASE NUMBER / 4887 / FOR RELEASE / IMMEDIATE
SMMT Ltd / Cars / Commercial Vehicles / Total Vehicles / Total Engines
Data: / Feb-11 / YTD-11 / Feb-11 / YTD-11 / Feb-11 / YTD-11 / Feb-11 / YTD-11
Total / 111,983 / 222,178 / 9,923 / 19,890 / 121,906 / 242,068 / 219,067 / 435,474
% change / 15.1% / 12.0% / -3.0% / 2.6% / 13.4% / 11.1% / 10.2% / 11.1%
Export / 93,048 / 187,127 / 6,296 / 12,036 / 99,344 / 199,163 / 152,927 / 307,023
% change / 32.0% / 30.4% / -15.9% / -17.5% / 27.4% / 26.0% / 0.7% / 6.0%
% of total / 83.1% / 84.2% / 63.4% / 60.5% / 81.5% / 82.3% / 69.8% / 70.5%
Home / 18,935 / 35,051 / 3,627 / 7,854 / 22,562 / 42,905 / 66,140 / 128,451
% change / -29.3% / -36.2% / 32.6% / 63.6% / -23.5% / -28.1% / 40.7% / 25.4%
% of total / 16.9% / 15.8% / 36.6% / 39.5% / 18.5% / 17.7% / 30.2% / 29.5%

· Car output rose by 15.1% in February 2011 and was up 12.0% over the year-to-date.

· CV output fell by 3.0% in February, but remains up 2.6% over the first two months of 2011.

· UK engine production increased by 10.2% in February and by 11.1% over the year-to-date.

“UK vehicle and engine production continue to lead a manufacturing recovery,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “A 27% increase in export demand highlights the strength and competitiveness of UK products. Next week’s Budget will be crucial in creating the conditions for further investment in skills, R&D and capital equipment, all essential for growth and maintaining global competitiveness.”

About SMMT

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media.

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for £40 billion turnover and £8.5 billion value added. With over 700,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for more than 10% of total UK exports and invests £1.5 billion each year in R&D. In the last 10 years, huge strides have been made to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout the life cycle. Since 2000, improvements in production processes mean energy used to produce vehicles is down 28%, water use is has been cut by 34% and 73% less waste enters landfill sites. Average new car tailpipe CO2 emissions have also been slashed and are down by over 20% compared to 2000.For more details, see SMMT’s CO2 Report, Sustainability Report and Motor Industry Facts at www.smmt.co.uk/publications.

Media contacts:

Kate Rumsby 020 7344 9219

Jonathan Visscher 020 7344 9263

Nikki Rooke 020 7344 9226