The UK automotive sector bucked the economic trend last year, increasing its production volumes, while making major strides to reduce its their environmental footprint of it products and manufacturing processes, according to a new report from industry body, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The society’s 12th Annual Sustainable Report, which looks at the economic, social and environmental performance of the motor industry shows that the sector increased investment and the number of employees while reducing manufacturing CO2 emissions down 10.5 per cent per vehicle produced in the full year of 2010.
Studying the results of eighteen major UK automotive firms, the society discovered that manufacturing turnover increased 20 per cent in 2010, up to £49bn, with output increasing up 27.8 per cent to bring the industry back up to pre-recession levels. Despite the increase in production, energy levels per vehicle produced reduced down 8 per cent with manufacturing waste to landfill per vehicle down 8 per cent too.
What’s more is that the UK’s automotive sector went some way to counter job losses in other industries, with apprenticeships up 9 per cent, adding to the 737,000 jobs dependent on the sector. Vehicle exports also increase 31 per cent to a total value of £29bn.
Firms featured in the report include the likes of Nissan, Toyota, Bentley, BMW, General Motors, Ford, Volvo, Volkswagen, GKN Driveline and Land Rover; which all have UK operations.
Commenting on the report being released today ( November 22), Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive said: "We are making significant steps towards creating a globally competitive UK automotive sector, while keeping an eye on improving our environmental credentials to ensure a strong, long-term future for the industry. Manufacturing is vital to a rebalanced economy and cleaner, greener processes will support the transition to a low carbon future.
"Automotive continues to attract major international investment, create high value jobs and cut its environmental impact but the UK must continue to compete on a global platform to secure future growth. We must incentivise private sector investment in R&D, training and equipment and ensure our commitment to be a leader in low carbon manufacturing supports our international competitiveness."
The SMMT’s 12th Annual Sustainability Report, is available by clicking here.
