American Motorists Increase Demand for British-Built Cars, With Exports Up by 7% in 2017

A total of 1,671,166 vehicles rolled off UK production lines in 2017, a -3.0% decrease on 2016 – but still the second highest output since the turn of the century. Export demand from 160 markets worldwide now represents 79.9% of all UK car output – the highest proportion for five years.

The EU remained the UK's biggest trading partner, taking more than half (53.9%) of all exports, while global appetite for British-built cars rose in several key markets. Among those showing notable growth were Japan (+25.4%), China (+19.7%) and Canada (+19.5%).

However, the US remained the UK's biggest individual customer, with American drivers buying more British-built cars than those in any other single country. In 2017, 209,946 cars left British production lines destined for US roads, with the country boosting its share of UK exports to 15.7% – up from 14.5% in 2016. Meanwhile, in the UK, 34,868 British buyers invested in cars from American factories, representing 1.3% of the UK new car market.

The UK's reputation as a centre for excellence in engine design and manufacture was also boosted in 2017, as billions of pounds of investment helped drive production to record levels, with demand for British-built engines growing at home and overseas. Overall UK engine output rose 6.9% to more than 2.7 million units – with 54.7% destined for car and van plants around the world. In fact, the UK exports some £7.9 billion worth of components each year to help build vehicles in the US.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, "World class engineering and products, a supportive government and massive investment have helped establish the UK as one of the most productive and innovative places in the world to develop and build cars. Today's figures underline the highly integrated nature of the global automotive sector, with interdependent supply chains and mutually beneficial trade delivering choice to car buyers. It is vital that we maintain open trade links with the US, as well as our EU partners, for the benefit of consumers and our respective industries and economies."

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/635459/Car_Manufacturing_Infographic.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/635458/Top_5_British_Bestsellers_in_the_USA_Infographic.jpg

Notes to editors

Footnotes
1. Annual car production last declined in 2009. Total output was higher in 2016, and prior to that, in 1999
2. In 2012, exports as a proportion of production was 82.7%

About SMMT and the UK automotive industry

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media. 

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for more than £77.5 billion turnover and £21.5 billion value added. With some 169,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and 814,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 13.0% of total UK export of goods and invests £2.75 billion each year in automotive R&D. More than 30 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by 2,500 component providers and some of the world's most skilled engineers.

More detail on UK automotive available in SMMT's Motor Industry Facts 2017 publication at www.smmt.co.uk/facts17.

Broadcasters: SMMT has an ISDN studio and access to expert spokespeople, case studies and regional representatives.

Hi-res charts available via Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n9x1he8kjofmjjf/AABOTCNsaGc3ojwqHZArkcIKa?dl=0

SOURCE Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders

Related Links

http://www.smmt.co.uk