Car production figures: ’A glimmer of hope in gloomy times’
19 January 2012
Unite has welcomed today's (19 January) UK car production
figures which show that car production in the UK increased in
2011.
Total car production advanced 5.8 percent to 1,343,810 cars in
2011. The number of cars produced for the export market grew 17 per
cent. The data was released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers
and Traders (SMMT) today.
Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke said: "These car
production figures are a glimmer of hope in gloomy times. With the
right investment, the right product and most importantly a skilled
and dedicated workforce British manufacturing can be a success. But
overall UK manufacturing is not performing well because the
government has no strategy to support the sector.
"It is vital that the government creates the right financial and
economic environment to allow growth in the car industry to
continue."
Investment in UK plants by the big OEMs (original equipment
manufacturers) has been significant and this has provided for the
creation of over 1,000 jobs - an outstanding success story, which
Unite members have contributed to.
UK engine production also rose by 4.9 per cent in 2011, showing
that the UK is now a centre of excellence for the production of
engines.
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
