Industry motors ahead as more cars rolled out

New models rolling off car production lines at the fastest rate for eight years helped the UK’s struggling manufacturers slip into a higher gear this summer, official figures showed today.

Manufacturers enjoyed their best month of the year in July, growing output 0.5%, as carmakers brought forward of new and existing models ahead of summer factory shutdowns.

Car output was up 13.7% over the month — the biggest surge since March 2009 and reversing a 6% slide in the second quarter.

The more upbeat news contrasted with a 0.9% reverse for the construction industry as housebuilders slowed their pace after a record June.

Trade figures, meanwhile, showed little sign of improvement despite sterling’s sharp fall since last year’s Brexit vote.

The nation’s trade deficit in goods and services was little changed at £2.9 billion.

Rising goods exports to the EU were offset by falling goods exports to the rest of the world.

The economy overall has seen the weakest start to the year since 2012 although experts said today’s figures were consistent with growth of 0.5% for the UK overall between July and September.

Scotiabank economist Alan Clarke said the economy’s performance “could be pretty respectable” in the current quarter.