The automotive industry has £51 billion turnover and £10 billion value added. Over 800,000 jobs are dependent on the industry which accounts for 10% of total UK exports and invests £1 billion each year in R&D.
According to The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) car output was 112,948 in November, up 15.7% compared to November 2008. This is the first rise since September 2008, reflecting the positive impact of the UK scrappage schemes and economic stability in a number of major European markets. Yet production from Jan-Nov 2009 was 914,117 cars, -34.4% compared to Jan-Nov. 2008.
Commercial vehicle output was 9,186 in November, -16.2% compared to November 2008. It continues to fall, although the pace of decline has slowed. Production volumes have fallen in every month since September 2008. In the first 11 months of the year, production was 83,408, -57.6% compared to Jan-Nov 2008.
Thus, production is still well below previous levels,997,525 units from Jan-November, which is -37.2% compared to same period in 2008, and 2010 is set to be another tough year with considerable uncertainty at home and abroad. "It is essential that governments continue to sustain and strengthen economic recovery, improving access to credit and encouraging investment in new technologies and products” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “Whilst the November figures represent the smallest recorded fall in the past 14 months, the sector is still down almost 60% on the year-to-date.”
The SMMT supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media.
Improvements in production processes mean energy used to produce cars is down 24%, water use is down 45% and 57% less waste enters landfill sites. Average car tailpipe CO2 emissions have also been slashed and are down 20% compared to 1999 levels.
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