RESTRUCTURING in UK car factories has been blamed for a 15.5% drop in production for home and export markets. Office for National Statistics figures show the numbers of cars built in Britain in July fell to 121,405 units (143,731 July 1999).

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said the shortfall was partly due to the levelling effect of two registration plate changes a year. But it added that the Rover 75's move from Cowley to Longbridge, the end of the line for Ford Escort at Halewood and a refit at Honda's Swindon facility were more significant factors. The fall was in line with SMMT expectations and the year-on-year decline is expected to continue during the second half of the year.