Production declines for 18th month
UK car production fell 14% in February, with 105,008 units leaving factory gates.
According to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 17,163 fewer cars were made, representing an 18th consecutive month of decline and the weakest February performance in more than a decade.
Production for the domestic market fell 34.9%, a loss of 9,480 units, compared with a less severe 8.1% fall in exports, down 7,683 units.
The recent strong growth in UK output of battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid vehicles (HEV) continued in February, with total production of these vehicle surging 25.3% to 23,019 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A year into the pandemic, these figures are yet more evidence of how badly coronavirus has hit UK car production. Thankfully, there are some rays of light with UK showrooms due to reopen on 12 April, vaccinations progressing and a roadmap to kickstart the economy. The automotive sector can play a crucial role in getting the UK back on its feet, supporting jobs across the country, driving growth and helping the country transition to zero emission mobility. However, the UK is not isolated from global issues and our automotive industry still needs a stable and secure international market in order to prosper.”
