Lowest fall

UK car production in May showed the lowest fall this year, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (

).

Commercial vehicle production was down by 73.5 per cent while car production dropped by 43 per cent to 67,754 vehicles. The total production in May was at 72,446 vehicles, a 47 per cent drop on last year with the figures showing that 45 per cent of the total cars produced were exported.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘Prompt action by manufacturers to realign supply with demand has been painful, but was necessary. There is now a direct link between demand in the marketplace and production volumes. The scrappage schemes in place across Europe are now beginning to have a positive impact, although the full benefits will take a little longer to flow down to companies at all levels in the supply chain.’