UK vehicle production fell -1.2% in April to 58,513 units in what was described as a “broadly stable” market following a near 11% decline year-to-date.
The latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Car output was broadly stable for a second consecutive month, down -0.7% to 56,135 units, while commercial vehicle (CV) output fell -10.9% to 2,378 units – its smallest decline for 13 months as the effect on numbers of the closure of one of the UK’s biggest van plants ceases.
In the year to date, UK factories have produced 266,601 vehicles, down -10.7% year on year. Car output is down -5.4% to 257,024 units, while CV production has declined -64.1% to 9,577 units.
The news comes as the sector lobbies to ensure the EU’s recently proposed ‘Made in Europe’ policy does not restrict UK-produced vehicles, parts, batteries and raw materials from accessing their largest export market.
SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said, “April’s figures suggest production is stabilising, albeit at reduced levels, when the ambition remains to grow the sector.
“UK manufacturers still face high costs, notably in energy, and uncertainty in the trading relationship with key trading markets.
“More serious is the UK sector’s carve out from the EU’s ‘Made in Europe’ proposals which, coupled with tougher rules of origin requirements from next year, risk undermining the industry on both sides.
“The forthcoming EU-UK Summit must address these issues and deliver solutions that safeguard our mutual competitiveness and growth.”
