Car production starts strong
UK car production rose 21% to 82,997 units in January, making it the strongest start to the year since 2021.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this marked the fifth straight month of growth.
Production for export was up 11.6% to 62,938 units, while production for the domestic market soared by 7,863 units, the equivalent of 64.5%.
Meanwhile, production of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles rose again by a combined 4.5% to 29,590 units to account for 35.7% of overall output.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A positive start to the year for UK car production bodes well for the industry and the many thousands of livelihoods on which it depends. There can be no room for complacency, however, given economic headwinds and geopolitical tensions. There must be a relentless commitment to competitiveness, building on the significant recent investments into the sector. The forthcoming Budget is a chance for Government to do just that by introducing measures to boost UK automotive manufacturing, focused on energy, investment competitiveness and market demand.”
