The final quarter of 2005 saw further falls in the UK's car production, it has been announced.

According to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), total car production in the UK, seasonally adjusted, fell by 8.2 per cent compared to the previous three months, as the end of a tough year for the automotive sector came to a close.

Overall, the figures showed a 6.2 per cent fall on the previous year's figures for the three months to December, a dip that can partially be blamed on the demise of MG Rover at the Longbridge factory.

However, the continued downward spiral between the final quarter and the previous three months highlights that the UK car market remains in decline, a position reinforced by recent figures from Europe.

The European Car Industry Association recently revealed that the number of new cars sold across Europe fell 0.7 per cent to 15.2 million in 2005, as the decline in consumer interest continued.

Meanwhile, in the US Ford and General Motors are both in the middle of restructuring programmes as they look to stem large losses, as more consumers turn to more fuel-efficient vehicles.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd