UK new car production was down 9.6% in July to 117,829 units.

Year-to-date production levels were also down by 6.3%.

"More than three quarters of the UK's July car production was destined for foreign markets", said Christopher Macgowan, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive.

"With European volumes subdued at present, it was of little surprise that the total UK output levels were slightly lower this month," he said.

UK car production

Jul-06 YTD 2006
Total 117,829 917,347
-9.6% -6.3%
Export 88,910 697,747
-5.3% -1.4%
% of total 75.5% 76.1%
Home 28,919 219,600
-20.5% -19.2%
% of total 24.5% 23.9%

(Source: SMMT)