Engine production roars into life
Engine production roared back into life in April with 129,691 units built, up on last year when just 1,147 were produced.
However, April 2021 output is down 22.9% on five-year average for the month while year-to-date output has risen 10.4% to 665,195 units, driven by increased production for the domestic market, but is still down on five-year average.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “April engine production was always going to be up, as last year factory operations ceased amidst the height of the first lockdown. The sector, however, is a long way off a full recovery and engine output levels remain significantly lower than before the pandemic. It is now imperative that a strategy is implemented to support UK engine manufacturing competitiveness, including measures to help companies transition to producing next generation powertrains.”
