Britain's automotive industry got back on track in October with vehicle production increasing 6.4 percent and engine output up 1.2 percent, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said on Thursday.

Britain produced 148,900 vehicles in October, 6.4 percent over the previous month, adding the total to 131 million units in the year to October.

Of this, car output reached 137,000 units in October, up 6.5 percent from the previous month, and commercial vehicles output was 11900 units, up 5 percent.

The country exported 123,555 vehicles in October, an increase of 4.5 percent, including 116,900 cars, up 4.7 percent, and 6,656 commercial vehicles, up 1.0 percent.

"Sustained, high-value investment in R&D, facilities and new products is paving the way to a prosperous future for UK automotive," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

But Everitt expressed concern over the impact of the European market, saying "there remain significant challenges as European market demand remains weak."

"It is essential the government continues to focus on boosting economic growth and enhancing UK competitiveness," he added. Endi

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