Monthly car production drops 4.9% but still up year on year

Car production slipped last month, with the number of vehicles manufactured falling nearly five per cent.

A total of 99,280 cars were made in the UK in May - a 4.9 per cent dip on the May 2010 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

Commercial vehicle production also fell, decreasing 5.0 per cent to 10,205.

Despite the dip in the May figures, car production is up for the year so far.

Production for the first five months of this year has totalled 542,816 - a 4.6 per cent rise on the January-May 2010 figure.

But commercial production so far this year has dipped 5.55 per cent to 50,995 units.

The motor industry has been boosted recently by major investment announcements in British plants by various companies, including Nissan and BMW.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "Despite the difficulties caused by supply shortages from Japan, UK automotive production dropped by just 4.9 per cent in May.

"Recent announcements demonstrate the commitment being made by global vehicle manufacturers to the UK motor industry.

Mr Everitt added: "These recent announcements will secure future production and jobs, as well as opening up new opportunities for the UK-based supply chain."