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22/03/2002
Rise in car production points to resurgent economy
The UK economy has been boosted again this week with the news that car production rose dramatically to 18.7 per cent last month.
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has reported that 147,379 cars were made in February compared with 124,163 cars made during the same month last year. The total number of cars made in Britain was 301,747, which represented a 19.2 per cent increase on 2001.
The ONS figures will offer some positives to a beleaguered sector that lost 158,000 jobs in the three months to January.
Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "The positive trend in car production continued in February ... and there is no doubt that Britain is still a great place to build cars."
Reports from the ONS this week also revealed that people seeking jobless benefits dropped by 5,000 last month to 947,200. This number undercuts last year's total by 50,000 – a pleasant surprise for government ministers, who had not been expecting such a bright start to the year. The current employment mark is now just 3.1 per cent – the second lowest figure since 1975.
Whilst the economy is going in the right direction, City analysts believe that recent upturns in retail spending and car production, taken in tandem with upbeat messages from the US Federal Reserve this week, all point to a possible interest rise sometime around June. The prospect of increased rates presents further problems to first-time buyers who will now have to commit themselves to higher mortgage payments for property outpriced after last year's key rates cuts.
(GMcG)
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has reported that 147,379 cars were made in February compared with 124,163 cars made during the same month last year. The total number of cars made in Britain was 301,747, which represented a 19.2 per cent increase on 2001.
The ONS figures will offer some positives to a beleaguered sector that lost 158,000 jobs in the three months to January.
Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "The positive trend in car production continued in February ... and there is no doubt that Britain is still a great place to build cars."
Reports from the ONS this week also revealed that people seeking jobless benefits dropped by 5,000 last month to 947,200. This number undercuts last year's total by 50,000 – a pleasant surprise for government ministers, who had not been expecting such a bright start to the year. The current employment mark is now just 3.1 per cent – the second lowest figure since 1975.
Whilst the economy is going in the right direction, City analysts believe that recent upturns in retail spending and car production, taken in tandem with upbeat messages from the US Federal Reserve this week, all point to a possible interest rise sometime around June. The prospect of increased rates presents further problems to first-time buyers who will now have to commit themselves to higher mortgage payments for property outpriced after last year's key rates cuts.
(GMcG)
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07 August 2012
New Car Registrations Up 9.3%
New car registrations continue to improve, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). They rose 9.3% in July to 143,884 units – the fifth monthly gain in a row and the best of 2012. Registrations over the first seven months have risen more than 40,000 units or 3.5% to 1,201,564 units.
New Car Registrations Up 9.3%
New car registrations continue to improve, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). They rose 9.3% in July to 143,884 units – the fifth monthly gain in a row and the best of 2012. Registrations over the first seven months have risen more than 40,000 units or 3.5% to 1,201,564 units.
12 November 2010
Irish Manufacturing Up 12% Since 2009
Output from Ireland's manufacturing industry has increased by 12% since last year, according to the latest statistics from the Government. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has reported that "significant" changes have occurred in a number of manufacturing sectors, with an average increase of 12.1% since September 2009.
Irish Manufacturing Up 12% Since 2009
Output from Ireland's manufacturing industry has increased by 12% since last year, according to the latest statistics from the Government. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has reported that "significant" changes have occurred in a number of manufacturing sectors, with an average increase of 12.1% since September 2009.
12 June 2002
Record month for new car sales in UK
The latest figures for new car sales in the UK have shown that in May sales increased for the twentieth consecutive month in the new car market. Despite a general fall-off in new car sales across Europe by 2.6% from January to April, UK dealers saw 208,669 registrations beating the previous record May of 199,258 vehicles, set in 1989.
Record month for new car sales in UK
The latest figures for new car sales in the UK have shown that in May sales increased for the twentieth consecutive month in the new car market. Despite a general fall-off in new car sales across Europe by 2.6% from January to April, UK dealers saw 208,669 registrations beating the previous record May of 199,258 vehicles, set in 1989.
17 July 2001
UK INFLATION REMAINS AT TWO YEAR HIGH
UK inflation has remained at a two-year high, official figures have revealed. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed prices were 2.4 per cent higher in June than the same month a year before.
UK INFLATION REMAINS AT TWO YEAR HIGH
UK inflation has remained at a two-year high, official figures have revealed. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed prices were 2.4 per cent higher in June than the same month a year before.
26 February 2016
BMW Award For JKC Coleraine
Local BMW retailer JKC Coleraine has beaten 150 competitors to be awarded BMW 'New Car Retailer of the Year'. JKC were presented with the award at a ceremony in the 02 Intercontinental Hotel in London.
BMW Award For JKC Coleraine
Local BMW retailer JKC Coleraine has beaten 150 competitors to be awarded BMW 'New Car Retailer of the Year'. JKC were presented with the award at a ceremony in the 02 Intercontinental Hotel in London.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
