UK vehicle production declined by -17.7% in the first month of the year, with factories turning out 71,104 cars and 6,908 commercial vehicles (CVs) for a total of 78,012 units.
The performance follows a strong January last year, when car and CV output surged by 21.0% and 27.5% respectively, and reflects weakness in key markets, notably the EU, China and the UK itself, combined with planned model changeovers.
Production for the UK market fell -30.4% to 13,964 units, amid plant restructuring and slower than anticipated rollout of new models as manufacturers respond to softening demand in the UK and other key markets.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “UK vehicle producers face a perfect storm of global trade uncertainty, challenging manufacturing conditions and a market transition which is proving tougher than expected.
“The sector is doing all it can to keep production plans on track but needs government to ensure automotive is at the heart of its forthcoming industrial and trade strategies with promised funding invested as soon as possible.
Doing so will help ensure our competitiveness and safeguard the billions of pounds of investment, jobs and economic growth which is now at stake.”
