UK carmakers are driving economy

Published on 16/03/2012 00:00

Car manufacturing in Britain soared 23.5 per cent in February compared with a year ago, data yesterday showed, underlining hopes that a fitful economic recovery is back on track.

Industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said the rise maintained the trend of strong export-led growth in the industry.

The largely foreign-owned car industry has been one of the bright spots of the British economy, with carmakers Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover both announcing the creation of hundreds of jobs in recent weeks.