UK manufacturers made more cars in February, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Output increased by 13.1% year-on-year as a total of 69,707 cars rolled off the production lines.
Factories made an additional 8,050 cars, with volumes boosted by improved availability of semiconductors after months of supply issues.
Production for both the UK and overseas markets rose by double digits, up 20.3% and 11.5% respectively, with exports driving the overall uplift. The data shows that 56,634 cars were produced to fulfil global orders, up from 50,786 a year earlier and accounting for 81.2% of output, with the majority of these exports (59.6%) heading into the European Union.
Shipments to the EU were up 6.5% and exports to Turkey, Japan, Australia and South Korea also rose, offsetting a decline in the number destined for China and the United States.
The transition to EVs continued, with output of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles growing 72.2% and accounting for two in five cars made during the month.
“February’s growth in UK car production signposts an industry on the road to recovery,” commented SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
“The fundamentals of the sector are strong; a highly skilled workforce, engineering excellence, a sector that is embracing new electrified vehicle manufacturing and wide ranging capabilities in the EV supply chain.
“To take advantage of global opportunities, however, we must scale up at pace and make the UK the most attractive destination for automotive investment by addressing trading and fiscal costs and delivering low carbon, affordable energy.”
