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UK car production rises 9% on export boost

Nissan is one of the automakers building cars in the UK. Production of the Juke crossover is shown at the company's Sunderland plant.
December 17, 2015 05:00 AM

LONDON (Reuters) -- UK car production rose 9 percent in November, helped by a strong increase in exports, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said today.

This compares with a nearly 1 percent fall in October when higher exports failed to offset a drop in domestic demand.

A total of 150,084 cars were built last month with an 11 percent rise in the number of vehicles headed overseas, compared with a 3.4 percent increase in the amount of cars destined for the UK market.

Around four in five cars built in the UK are exported.

"Particularly pleasing is the recent pick-up in export production, which is proof that despite challenges in some global markets, the UK continues to build cars that appeal to consumers across the world," said Mike Hawes, CEO of the SMMT.

Output stood at 1.47 million in the 11 months to November, making it likely the UK will surpass the total tally of 1.53 million achieved last year once December's figures come through.

Nissan, Toyota, Honda, BMW Group's Mini and Rolls-Royce, Volkswagen's Bentley, as well as Tata's Jaguar Land Rover, are among the automakers that build cars in the UK.

Automotive News Europe contributed to this report

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