After ONS/SMMT data on UK car production showed that it climbed three per cent year on year to 142,920 units in November, with production for export taking a record 77.3 per cent of November's output, Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive commented:

”November's excellent performance puts UK production well on track to reach the 1.65 million unit year-end forecast. Growth throughout 2003 has largely focused on production for export and with one month to go, its year-to-date figure already exceeds 2002's year-end total. The continued growth clearly demonstrates the strength of UK manufacturing, setting an upward trend that is expected to continue into 2004.”