UK car manufacturing slipped again in November, with new industry figures showing a continued slowdown in vehicle production across the country.
Car output fell by 1.7 per cent compared with the same month last year, while the number of commercial vehicles produced plunged by 78 per cent, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
In total, UK factories built 63,126 cars and 2,806 commercial vehicles during November. The figures mark the fourth consecutive month of decline for car production, highlighting ongoing pressures facing the automotive sector.
Production for the UK market rose sharply, with domestic output increasing by 46.9 per cent to 14,589 vehicles. However, this was offset by a 10 per cent drop in exports, as shipments to the UK’s five largest overseas markets – the European Union, the United States, Turkey, China and Japan – all declined.
Export production still accounted for the bulk of output, with 48,537 cars built for international markets, representing more than three-quarters of total UK car manufacturing.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said the industry was beginning to stabilise after recent disruption.
“Car production is normalising following August’s cyber incident and, with the manufacture of a new EV model starting this week in Sunderland, the sector can look forward with some optimism,” he said.
“Growth is expected next year, with the industry poised to reap the benefits of recent UK Government backing – notably new funding, modernised trade deals and efforts to reduce energy costs.”
However, Mr Hawes warned that progress could be threatened by regulatory changes beyond the UK’s control.
“The growth this package seeks to create, however, would be undermined if the UK becomes the main unintended victim of new EU local content requirements,” he said.
“We must instead work on a pragmatic and inclusive approach, one which protects and enhances competitiveness across the European automotive ecosystem.”
The latest figures underline the challenges facing UK car manufacturers as they balance domestic demand, export pressures and the transition to electric vehicle production.
