British cars zoom off the production line on the back of demand from overseas

Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that almost 150,000 cars were built in the month, a 16.4 per cent increase on April 2015, and marking the ninth consecutive month of growth.

CityAm reports that increasing overseas demand for British-built cars was again the driving force behind the growth: production for export jumped 23.7 per cent in April, offsetting a 7.8 per cent decline in cars made for the domestic market.

April’s figures bolster an already positive 2016 for UK car output, with 588,024 cars built in the first four months of the year – up 10.8 per cent on the equivalent period in 2015.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Britain’s car manufacturing sector continues to thrive with a steady domestic market and surging demand from overseas, including our biggest export destination, Europe. This growth represents a significant endorsement of the strength and quality of the UK automotive industry.”