Scrappage boosts engine production

Ford has boosted its UK engine production to meet the increased demand for new cars as a result of European scrappage programmes.

The group said that a 36.5 per cent year-on-year increase in sales at its Dagenham engine facility combined with a 18.3 per cent rise in sales at its facility in Bridgend has led to the introduction of extra weekend working at the plants, which in total employ 4,000 engine production specialists.

August output at Bridgend was at 22,000 Duratec units, compared with 18,600 a year earlier, while Dagenham produced 19,000 Duratorq engines compared with 13,920 in August 2008.

Nigel Sharp, Ford Britain’s managing director, said: ‘Ford showrooms are enjoying the sales rush triggered by a new registration plate, limited remaining scrappage subsidies and growing awareness of January's VAT increase. I'm delighted that Ford plants are feeling the benefits too.’

The UK is currently Ford’s largest market in Europe. According to the group, the scrappage scheme has increased deliveries of Ka, Fiesta and Focus models and improved its private car sales by more than 25 per cent last month.