Vehicle Production in U.K. Jumps to 17-Year High

Output by the U.K.’s carmakers rose 7% to 170,700 units in March, the best result since 2000, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports.

Production in the first quarter rose 8% to 471,700 units, also a 17-year high. Results for the period were driven by a 12% jump to 367,700 exported vehicles, which offset a 4% decline in domestic sales.

SMMT predicts the British auto industry could set an all-time production record in 2020. But it says that goal can be achieved only if the U.K. negotiates continued easy access to European markets after the country exits the European Union two years from now.

The trade group also reiterates that government efforts to penalize diesel production could derail production targets. Nearly half the vehicles made in the U.K. are diesel powered.