The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has published Motor Industry Facts - 2005, the pocket-sized guide to facts and figures for the UK automotive sector.

The booklet includes industry statistics, registration and production data, sector profiles and the rising cost of commodities.

Key findings include:

Manufacturing facts

  • Industry exports valued at £21.5 billion, car exports at record numbers in 2004
  • Finished steel costs rise 30 per cent, electricity up 15.2%, gas up 14.7% (December 2004 v December 2003)
  • Average cost of oil rises by a third in a year
  • Over 800,000 employees directly dependent on automotive sector
  • Sector turnover £47 billion in 2004

    Car facts

  • Diesel new car market rises 175% in five years to 835,334 units
  • 314,239 more new superminis left showrooms in 2004 compared to 10 years ago
  • Improved CO2 performance greatest among new 4x4s and people carriers
  • An estimated 30.6 million cars on the road in the UK
  • Average age of a car country-wide is 6.8 years
  • 10.3 million combined new and used car sales in 2004
  • Nissan (Sunderland), Toyota (Burnaston) and Honda (Swindon) top three car producers in 2004

    Commercial Vehicle facts

  • In 2004, CV production breaks 200,000 unit barrier for first time in six years
  • Total new CV regs 389,923 units in 2004, up 56% in 10 years
  • Surge in market for new 2.6 to 3.5 tonne vans, up 167% to 195,814 units on 1995 levels
  • 61.2% of CVs produced in the UK now destined for export markets

    Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, says: “This year's guide also includes some quirky facts that should raise a few eyebrows. For example, how many of us know that the Isle of Wight is home to the oldest cars in Britain, or that the Ford Escort Mk 4 was the second best-selling car in Britain last year?”

  • SMMT Motor Industry Facts 2005 PDF