Car production surges by nearly a third
UK car production output surged 31.6% in October, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
In the eighth month of growth this year, 91,512 units were produced making this the best October performance since 2019.
Production for both the home and overseas markets grew, up 23.9% and 33.4% respectively, while UK production of battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) vehicles also rose.
Combined output grew 52.1% to represent 40.1% of all cars made in the month, a near record high. Since January, UK factories have turned out 287,408 of these models, up 59.1% on the year before and helping push overall car production up 16.7% to 751,422 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “These figures, coming on the back of a series of significant investment announcements, signpost a bright 2024 for the UK automotive sector. Government and industry are committing billions to transform the industry for a decarbonised future. Last week’s publication of an Advanced Manufacturing Plan and Battery Strategy, the announcement of permanent full expensing in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and the £2bn commitment government has made to advanced automotive manufacturing, underscore the increasing competitiveness of the UK. Automotive remains one of the country’s most critical industries, delivering jobs, productivity and economic growth across the country.”
