BRITISH cars are becoming more ‘British’ as the use of home-made components has increased, research has revealed.

Figures from a Automotive Council report show that domestic component makers sold 19% more products to UK vehicle producers last year than in 2013.

The figures are seen as an important step in the right direction for the UK automotive supply base. Currently around one third of the components in a UK-built car are domestically sourced, compared to more than 90% in the mid-1970s. However, vehicle manufacturing in the UK is undergoing a renaissance – British car production has increased by more than 50% since 2009 – and this is creating new opportunities for domestic suppliers.

One winner is plastics supplier to car manufacturers, Nifco, which was on the brink of closure in 2004. But the business was turned around with increased demand and funding support leading to the construction of two new factories in 2012 and 2014.

Managing director Mike Matthews, said: “There is a renewed optimism and confidence in the UK automotive industry and this is reflected in our future projected growth. Our order book is full for the next five years and we have a clear strategy to grow the business into a £75M company by 2016 and £100M by 2018. We are moving our offer on, working closer than ever with our customers to develop products that help them to innovate.”