I read recently that more cars were built in the UK in 2011 than 2010, despite the difficult financial climate. That’s great news… especially for people like me, who love cars. It’s not as if they wouldn’t be available if they were made anywhere else, but it’s nice to know that there are more homegrown products of any kind, really.

A total of 1.3 million cars was built in UK factories in 2011, according to the Society Of Motor Manufacturers And Traders (SMMT) – with engine production going up to 2.5 million. In fact, vehicle manufacturing went up by 4 per cent worldwide, showing that prospects are good everywhere for the motor industry.

I don’t actually have a car at the moment, but I may get one – especially if I manage to get a part-time job that requires a bit of a commute. I’m not really keen on public transport. I know it’s better for the environment, and means you don’t have the stress of maintaining a car… but it can be really unreliable… and whenever I use it regularly, I seem to catch colds all the time.

It’s not actually very cheap to use public transport, either. If there are two or three of us travelling together, it’s often just as cheap (if not cheaper) to club together for a taxi than to get the bus. How ridiculous is that?

I’m not keen on cycling, either. My friends say it’s because I’m not keen on any exercise at all, but it’s not that – it’s just cycling in particular that I don’t like. Most of the year the weather is awful, which takes a lot of enjoyment out of any outdoor activity – and it can be dangerous, too, cycling on the roads. That’s probably mostly because of inconsiderate or reckless car drivers, but there’s no point in placing blame – it doesn’t change the actual problem.

So… yes. When the time comes, I think I’ll continue to support the car industry. Hopefully, one day, the motor gods will smile on me and I’ll be able to afford a sports car.