Britain's auto manufacturing surges 20% in July

LONDON - Britain manufactured 129,000 vehicles in July, posting a growth of 20.2 percent year-on-year, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on Thursday.

While car manufacturing has increased for 13 consecutive months, engine production dropped 1.9 percent compared to a year ago, down to 180,000 units in July.

Some 99,000 vehicles were exported in July, up 13.5 percent year-on-year, including 94,500 cars, up 15.3 percent.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the latest figures show auto products have enormous global appeal, despite the current uncertainty in Europe.