September production lowest for 25 years

UK car production fell five per cent in September, making it the worst performance for the month in 25 years.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), factories turned out 114,732 cars, a decline of some 6,000 units on the same month in 2019.

Exports declined 9.7% in September to 87,533 units – some 9,500 fewer vehicles year-on-year, as shipments to key overseas destinations, including China, the EU and US fell 1.2%, 3.3% and 30% respectively.

Production for the UK, meanwhile, climbed 14.5%, equivalent to a rise of 3,440 vehicles, largely as a result of new model introductions that were in run out in the same month last year.

After the first nine months of 2020, UK car production has dropped 35.9% behind 2019 levels, with 632,824 vehicles built.

Bucking the overarching trends, September production of the latest battery electric vehicles (BEVs) grew 37% year-on-year, with the overwhelming majority (76.6%) exported.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “These figures are yet more grim reading for UK automotive as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc both at home and in key overseas markets. With the end of transition now just 63 days away, the fact that both sides are back around the table is a relief but we need negotiators to agree a deal urgently, one that prioritises automotive, enhances innovation and supports the industry in addressing the global threat of climate change. With production already strained, the additional blow of ‘no deal’ would be devastating for the sector, its workers and their families.”