UK car production buoyant despite fear of economic woe Published on 29 April 2008 Car manufacturing in Britain is in good health despite the economic problems befalling the UK, according to new figures. Car production in the first three months of the year rose by just under 12 per cent to 421,531 units, compared with the same period last year, the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. Exports of cars increased by just 14.5 per cent to almost 321,000. Total vehicle production in the UK, including commercial vehicles, rose almost 11 per cent to 481,822. “UK automotive manufacturing is in good health with strong model line-ups and a highly productive and skilled work force. The success of UK manufacturing provides important balance to the economy and helps to underpin core service sectors,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. The production boost will have been helped by the launch of new car models made in the UK, such as the Qashqai produced by Nissan at its plant in Sunderland. Image: The Nissan Qashqai, one of UK automotive manufacturing's success stories | 
