Engine production suffers October splutter
Engine production declined by 20.1% in October with 97,374 UK engines built.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders, production for domestic and overseas markets fell by 25.2% and 16.4% respectively. Year-to-date output remains down by 30.1% as the sector faces the triple whammy of coronavirus, Brexit and 2030 end of sale date.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Another month of decline in UK engine production is extremely worrying. Manufacturers, who have already spent significant sums on responding to the pandemic and preparing for Brexit, must now contend with an end of sale date for internal combustion engines in under a decade. We must ensure that in the transition to electrification our skilled engine making workforce is not left behind.
“That’s why we need to see a new and comprehensive industrial strategy introduced in 2021, starting with the delivery of the Automotive Transformation Fund, to ensure the UK remains a competitive place to produce ultra-low and zero emission cars and powertrains.”
