Car production falls 8.9 percent

The number of cars built in the UK fell 8.9% in August, bringing to a halt a 13-month run of increases, figures revealed Thursday. However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which produced the figures, said volumes are traditionally low in the month as manufacturers use the holiday period to upgrade facilities and carry out maintenance work. Despite conditions in Europe being a concern, it believes production will return to growth, helped by strong demand from other overseas markets, analysts said. The 78,577 cars produced in UK in Auguslt brings the total for 2012 so far to 955,084, which is a 12.7 percent hike on the previous year. The number of commercial vehicles built rose 18 percent to 7,608. Overall, vehicle production was 7 percent down in the month to 86,185 but up 11 percent in the year so far. Vehicle manufacturing has been a success story for the UK since the financial crisis and production is expected to hit record levels by 2015, underpinned by demand from emerging markets where brands such as Jaguar Land Rover are proving popular, the analysts added. Some 80% of cars and 60% of commercial vehicles were exported this year. SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said, "Volumes are traditionally low and variable in August as manufacturers use the holiday period to undertake important maintenance and facility upgrades. "Continued weak demand in Europe is a concern, although significant new investment and stronger demand from better performing global markets will ensure UK output continues on an upward trend."