UK car production drives ahead

Car production accelerated ahead last month, according to figures Thursday from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).A total of 128,654 cars were made in the UK in October - a 14.1 percent rise on the same month last year.ut commercial vehicle (CV) production dipped 2.9 percent to 11,337 last month.Engine production rose 12.0 percent in October, going up to 236,248.Car production for the first 10 months of this year, at more than 1.11 million, was 5.8% up on the January-October 2010 period.CV production, though, was down 2.7 percent at 100,363 for the first 10 months of 2011. Engine production, at 1,21 million, was up 5.1 percent for the year so far.In a statement, SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said "October was another positive month for UK vehicle production, with car manufacturing at its highest level since March."Strong export demand for UK-built cars and engines is good news for the economy during this difficult period.Weak UK market demand is a cause for concern and makes it essential that the Chancellor (Finance secretary) uses his autumn statement to help encourage private sector investment and boost economic growth."