U.K. Car Production at 6-Year High

Auto factories in the U.K. built 1.51 million vehicles in 2013, up 3% from the previous year to its highest level since 2007, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports.

Industry analysts predict Britain's car production will reach about 2 million units by 2017, propelling the U.K. to third place among European manufacturers behind Germany and Spain.

The U.K.'s previous record high output was 1.9 million vehicles in 1972. About 80% of the production is exported, nearly half to the EU. Last year the balance of exports went primarily to China, Russia and the U.S.