UK car production at 10-year high

Automobile production in the UK has risen to a 10-year high in 2015, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

In a scheduled data release on Thursday, the industry body noted production growth of almost 4% for last year on an annualised basis, with 1.6m cars manufactured.

Around 80% of those were exported, with the SMMT reporting export growth of 11% to Europe. However, exports to Russia tumbled 69%, while deliveries to China also fell by nearly 40%.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "Despite export challenges in some key markets such as Russia and China, foreign demand for British-built cars has been strong, reaching record export levels in the past year.

"Europe is our biggest trading partner and the UK's membership of the European Union is vital for the automotive sector in order to secure future growth and jobs."