Car production accelerates but commercial vehicles in reverse

CAR production inched ahead last month but commercial vehicle production slowed considerably, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

A total of 135,456 cars were made in the UK in March 2012, a 0.3 per cent increase on March 2011. However, the trade body said commercial vehicle production dropped 21.3 per cent to 9,648 last month.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “The prospects for the UK motor industry are extremely good, with new investment, commitment and jobs created by global companies.”

Japanese car giant Nissan recently announced plans to build a new hatchback at its Sunderland plant in 2014, creating more than 1,000 jobs at the site and along the supply chain.

Jaguar Land Rover is also expanding the workforce at its factory at Halewood on Merseyside as its revs up production of popular models. The company said 1,000 additional workers will support “significant demand” for the Range Rover Evoque and the latest Land Rover Freelander.