UK car production continues steady growth into 2014
Fri 20 June 2014
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UK car production rose 3.5% in the first four months of 2014 to nearly 655,000 units. Exports also rose 4.7% in the January to May period. Importantly exports of both UK-built cars and engines are increasing with nearly 80% of vehicles and 65% of engines now destined for outside the UK. The news comes as the LowCVP prepares to launch a new report at its Annual Conference on July 15 which examines whether a low carbon policy focus has been a spur to investment and growth in the UK automotive sector.
New car registrations also continued to rise; by 7.7% in May to over 194,000 units, the 27th consecutive month of growth.
There was also good news on investment and jobs: Pure electric sportscar manufacturer Detroit Electric has chosen to build its all-new model, the SP:01 in the UK. The new 155mph electric vehicle will be manufactured in a new Detroit Electric production facility in Leamington Spa, which is set to employ 80 staff by early 2015.
Luxury car maker Aston Martin also plans to create 250 jobs, extending its UK manufacturing facilities. The company will also invest £20 million to extend its manufacturing facility at Gaydon in Warwickshire.
Meanwhile Bentley is to recruit 51 new apprentices, the biggest single apprentice intake in 10 years. Forty of these will be part of a new dedicated manufacturing scheme focused on strengthening core skills, as Bentley expands its brand and adds an SUV to its current offering.
Bentley’s new manufacturing apprentice approach sees the introduction of dual education; this is a tailored method to vocational training based on competence profiles and dedicated placements within chosen professional areas in manufacturing.
The thriving state of the UK manufacturing industry will be discussed at the LowCVP's Annual Conference on July 15. TheConference will launch new research by E4tech/CAIR, recently commissioned by the LowCVP, which examines how a low carbon policy focus has impacted on automotive investment and jobs as well as on environmental progress.
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