U.K. Car Production Flattens

Output of passenger vehicles in the U.K. totaled 994,900 units in January-August, up only 1% from the same period last year, reports the country's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Production plunged 22% in August, thanks to longer-than-usual plant shutdowns.

Still, SMMT describes volumes as "strong" and says demand for exported cars remains at record levels. The group predicts U.K.'s vehicle production will reach 2 million units in 2017, surpassing the previous record 1.92 million in 1972.