Car production in October has fallen by 7.6%, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics.

Production for export rose 0.5% over the year-to-date.

“Overall, car production figures continue to reflect losses at MG Rover”, said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan. Two recent landmarks, the new Civic at Swindon and production of the two millionth Toyota at Burnaston, show that car production in the UK is still healthy, he said.

Macgowan said: “Car and commercial vehicle makers are still optimistic about the future, despite concerns about the cost burden of legislation and a transport infrastructure that hinders competitiveness.”

Oct 05 Oct 04 % change YTD 05 YTD 04 % change
Total 124,794 135,105 -7.6% 1,350,763 1,387,813 -2.7%
Home 25,360 27,943 -9.2% 363,513 405,280 -10.3%
% of total 20.3% 20.7% 26.9% 29.2%
Export 99,434 107,162 -7.2% 987,250 982,533 0.5%
% of total 79.7% 79.3% 73.1% 70.8%