By Faye Sunderland 04 July 2012
The UK automotive industry is stronger than ever and is now greener than ever before, according to a new report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The country’s car industry reported record turnover in 2011, up more than 12 per cent, to a total of £55 billion. The growth was driven by rising exports as UK market for new cars remains relatively stagnant. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) 13th Annual Sustainability Report, export volumes were up 14 per cent to a record 81.6 per cent of total output, valued at over £30bn.
Despite a boom in industry, the UK vehicle manufacturing sector also made significant improvements in reducing its environmental impact too, with per vehicle energy usage dropping 14 per cent. CO2 emissions per vehicle produced are also down by more than 13 per cent while manufacturing waste sent to landfill reduced by 20 per cent per vehicle compared to 2010 while total combined water use dropped more than 10 per cent over the year.
"Automotive is continuing to lead the country's economic recovery, increasing manufacturing output, delivering record turnover and exporting a greater 
proportion of cars than ever before, all while reducing our environmental footprint. In a tough economic climate, the automotive sector has continued to perform above expectations, demonstrating the significant role it has to play in a re-balanced economy," said SMMT Chief Executive, Paul Everitt.
"Our industry is at the forefront of the drive to a low carbon economy attracting investment in the research, development and manufacture of low and ultra-low carbon technologies, creating new jobs and growth opportunities," he continued.
The SMMT 13th Annual Sustainability Report is available at www.smmt.co.uk/sustainability.
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