The diesel market has grown a massive 145 per cent in the last decade, fleet registrations have risen 16 per cent since 2000 and cars sales since 2005 have topped 10 million.

These and other facts are included in the new Motor Industry Facts guide from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The fully updated booklet is packed with industry statistics, from registration and production data, to sector profiles and the rising cost of utilities. For the first time, SMMT Facts 2006 contains data on the bus and coach industry; on motorhomes; on engine manufacturing and on the use of satellite navigation and in-car entertainments.

Manufacturing facts:

  • Last year, UK sites produced 1.8m cars and commercial vehicles and 3.1m engines
  • During 2005, average electricity costs rose 33.9 per cent, gas costs by 94.4 per cent and crude oil costs by 49.9 per cent
  • Nissan (Sunderland), Toyota (Burnaston) and BMW MINI (Cowley) were the top three car producers in 2005. GM in the UK topped the commercial vehicle producers list

    Car facts:

  • Total car registrations in 2005 stood at 2,439,717 units
  • Diesel new car market increased 145 per cent in ten years to 897,887 units
  • Fleet registrations has risen 16.4 per cent since year 2000
  • 184,490 more new superminis left showrooms in 2005 compared to 10 years ago
  • Improved CO2 performance greatest among new 4x4s and people carriers
  • 10 million combined new and used car sales in 2005
  • In 2005, 2.1m in-car entertainment and satellite navigation systems were sold in the UK, a massive 1860 per cent increase in just five years

    Commercial vehicle facts:

  • In 2005, CV production breaks 206,000 unit level for only the second time since 1999
  • Total new CV registration stood at 385,969 units last year, up 39.5 per cent in five years
  • Registrations of new buses and coaches rose 14.8 per cent since 1996
  • Motorhome registrations jumped 71.8 per cent in last five years
  • 63 per cent of CVs produced in the UK were destined for export markets

    Motor Industry Facts - 2006 can be downloaded for free at www.smmt.co.uk.