UK car exports pass the million mark in 2016

The export demand rose by 10.5% to take volumes past one million in the first three quarters for the first time on record.

27 Oct 2016 | 5173 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau

The United Kingdom has shipped a total of 123,119 cars in 2016, as per the figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) today. This means export demand rose by 10.5% to take volumes past one million in the first three-quarters for the first time on record.

Meanwhile, UK car production in September increased by 0.9% with 159,726 vehicles manufactured. The overseas demand increased by 5% year-on-year, offsetting a -10.6% decline in production for the home market.

The overall year-to-date output increased 10.5% to 1,292,453 units, as production for global markets grew for a 14th consecutive month.

Commenting on the September performance, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, SMMT, said, “British-built cars are in demand across the world as demonstrated by the double-digit growth in exports this year, resulting in more than a million cars produced for international markets. The vast majority of cars manufactured here in the UK are destined for abroad and future growth will depend on securing our international competitiveness and the barrier-free access to major global markets that has enabled UK Automotive to thrive.”

You may like:

Nissan confirms production of next-gen Qashqai and X-Trail at Sunderland

UK government invests £10 million in EV charge-points

- Europe’s Big 5 markets notch positive growth in September

RELATED ARTICLES

Horse Powertrain develops ‘all-in-one’ powertrain for hybridizing BEV platforms

Ajit Dalvi 20 Apr 2026

X-Range C15 Direct Drive is an ‘all-in-one’ hybrid powertrain that allows BEV platforms to serve as foundations for HEVs...

Autoliv Plans JV for Advanced Safety Electronics With China’s HSAE

Ajit Dalvi 11 Oct 2025

The new joint venture, which is to be located strategically near Shanghai and close to several existing Autoliv sites in...

JLR to Restart Production Over a Month After September Hacking

Ajit Dalvi 07 Oct 2025

Manufacturing operations at the Tata Group-owned British luxury car and SUV manufacturer were shut down following a cybe...

NEXT STORY