UK car production down in July for first time since October 2009

In July this year, the UK's total motor vehicle output declined 7.5 percent year on year to 105,578 units.
 
The UK's passenger car production in July declined 8.9 percent to 98,145 units, while the country's commercial vehicle production amounted to 9,494 units - up 10.7 percent, both compared to July 2009.
 
"UK car and engine production was down in July for the first time since October 2009. The easing of demand was anticipated following the end of scrappage incentives in markets around Europe," said the UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) chief executive, Paul Everitt. 
 
In July, motor vehicle exports of the UK decreased by 8.7 percent year on year to 78,175 units and accounted for 72.7 percent of total sales, while the domestic motor vehicle market contracted by 3.9 percent.
 
"UK vehicle production [in the January-July period of  2010] is more than 40 percent up on last year's levels and, whilst we expect some challenging conditions, economic growth has returned in all major markets around the world," Mr. Everitt added.
 
In the first seven months of 2010, British motor vehicle production rose 41.9 percent to 808,844 units, including 734,800 passenger cars and 74,100 commercial vehicles.