Car manufacturing at four-year high
UK car manufacturing broke all-time export records in 2012, with volumes sent overseas exceeding 1.2million, up 8% on last year.
The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show total vehicle output increased 8% last year to 1.58m units, the highest level since 2008.
Car output also rose 9% in 2012 to 1.46m units, ending the year with a 6% rise in December.
SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "2012 was a very good year for UK car production, with record levels of exports and volumes at their highest since 2008.
"The outlook for 2013 remains positive with demand in many faster growing global markets offsetting the continued weakness in European economies. The £6billion of investment committed to UK facilities, new model programmes and R&D signals a bright future and many new opportunities for companies in the supply chain."
