Car production enjoys strong half of growth
UK car production rose 11.7% in the first half of the year to 450,168 units, with June alone up 16.2%.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the uplift has been driven by a 13.6% rise in exports to 359,940 units, with production for the domestic market rising more modestly at 4.5% to 90,228.
However, year-to-date output remains 32.5% below 2019 levels.
Meanwhile, production of hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is up 71.6% from January to June to a record total of 170,231 units. This represents more than a third (37.8%) of all cars produced so far this year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “UK car manufacturing is growing again, with production – especially of electrified models – increasing and major investment announcements making headlines. This is testament to the resilience of the sector and its undoubted strengths – a skilled and productive workforce, world-class R&D, and efficient, productive plants. But we must build on this momentum, sustain growth and attract further investments with a strategy that focuses on competitiveness and which strengthens the UK’s unique automotive offering.”
