UK automotive production fell 11.6% to 82,178 units in February, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Manufacturers produced 10,787 fewer cars, vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches than in February 2024, with output falling every month in between.
Export volumes were up 1.3% to 60,034 units while production for the UK market fell 33.3% to 13,780 units.
Meanwhile, UK production of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars fell 5.6% to 27,398 units in the month, but still boosted their share marginally to 37.1%, from 36.3% last February.
In the year-to-date electrified cars have taken a 39.6% share of production, up from 36% a year ago, with a more modest 2.1% fall in volumes compared with overall output down 11%.
The SMMT has also reported that CV output 35.9% to 8,364 units. Volumes were driven by domestic demand, accounting for 55.2% of output with volumes up by more than half to 4,621 units, while exports fell 62.7% to 3,743 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “These are worrying times for UK vehicle makers with car production falling for 12 months in a row, rising trade tensions and weak demand. The market transition is not keeping pace with ambition and, while the industry can deliver growth – and green growth at that – it needs policies to deliver that reality.
“It was disappointing, therefore, to hear a Spring Statement that did nothing to alleviate the pressure on manufacturers and, moreover, confirms the introduction next month of additional fiscal measures which will actually dissuade consumers from investing.
“Without substantive regulatory easements our manufacturing viability remains at risk and the UK’s transition to zero emission mobility under threat.”
