'The recent announcement that the new generation Vauxhall/Opel Astra will be made at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside from 2010 is further recognition of the skills and efficiency of the British car worker,' said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. 'So, although total car production for March was down, we should remind ourselves that a number of manufacturers have seen positive growth during the first quarter of 2007 and that the long term prosperity for car manufacturing remains positive.'

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