Driving sales: British car production levels hits a six-year high

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said that the car production in the UK in 2013 has increased by 3.1%.

16:44 23 January 2014

Based on the report released by Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 2013 has been a good year for British car production as it increased by 3.1per cent for the first time in the last six years.

1.5million cars were made or one every 20 seconds. It added that the sales surged at home and the world demand was robust.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "2013 demonstrated the value of the UK's diverse car manufacturing industry, as surging home demand and robust exports outside Europe saw output grow 3.1% to over 1.5 million units.

"UK automotive investment announcements exceeded £2.5bn in 2013, reinforcing industry analysts' suggestions that the UK could break all-time car output records within the next four years."

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: ""Our success lies in the appetite from countries around the world for British cars.

"Around 80% of the 1.5 million cars we produced last year were exported - a testament to the diverse, high quality of British manufacturing."

Nissan built the most number of cars (over 500,000), followed by Toyota (179,000), Honda (138,000), Jaguar (78,00) and Vauxhall (73,000).