Exports Drive Robust U.K. Engine Output in September

Engine production in the U.K. revved up in September, rising 6.5% to 224,917 units as the sector produced its strongest month-on-month growth for exports this year.

But the year-to-date production was down 1.9% at 1,787,420 units.

Still, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders CEO Mike Hawes says the outlook is rosy.

“Engine production continues to paint a positive picture for U.K. manufacturing, with overall production posting strong gains in September compared with the same month last year,” Hawes says in a statement.

“Demand from overseas was particularly robust. (We) expect to see a continued rise in engine production in the U.K. for the rest of the year, reflecting the trend in the wider automotive manufacturing sector.”

September production for export jumped 18.4% to 146,092 units, while the build for the home market fell 10.2% to 78,825.

With nine months of the year under its belt, the engine build for export is barely changed at 1,157,546 units, just 513 more than a year earlier. Production for the U.K. was down 5.3% at 629,874 units.