The number of cars produced in the UK in May fell 9.8% to 116,655 compared to the same month last year, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Despite the fall, year-to-date growth remains positive at 3.5%, with a total of 654,895 cars produced, and last month marked the ninth consecutive monthly rise.
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Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: "UK car manufacturing fell 9.8% in May, as some plants instigated spring shutdowns during the month."
Year-to-date, the most significant increase occurred in the number of units manufactured for export, up 4.7% since 2013 to 519,572
Vehicles manufactured for the domestic market in May fell 8.8%, from 24,011 to 21,889, compared to the year before.
The largest monthly fall was in the number of vehicles manufactured for the export market, down 10% from 105,344 to 94,767 units.
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By GlobalDataDespite the recent dip in figures, Hawes described the outlook for the future as "still bright", and predicted: "new UK-built models will benefit from growing demand across Europe, while significant investments in UK manufacturing operations are moving closer to production readiness."
