Engineering news
Almost eight in 10 cars were exported in the first quarter of the year, according to statistics released today (28 April) by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), an increase of 6.6% on the same period last year.
Overall, factories produced 12,540 more cars, reaching a total of 219,887 as the global shortage of semiconductors and other components began to ease.
Exports drove growth in March, increasing 10.4% and offsetting a 5.1% decline in car production for the UK. The EU received almost two-thirds (63.6%) of exports as shipments rose 4.9%, while deliveries to the US and China declined 4.1% and 8.3% respectively.
Combined production volumes of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles increased 75% in March to 32,546 units, with four in 10 cars featuring ultra-low or zero emission powertrain technology.
“This trend is set to continue as new products come on stream, with more than 20 models of electric cars, vans, buses, trucks and taxis expected to be in production in the UK by 2025,” the SMMT said.
Chief executive Mike Hawes said: “A second consecutive month of growth for UK car production gives cause for optimism, though volumes are still well below pre-pandemic levels. If British car manufacturing is to get back towards those levels, with all the economic benefits that brings, we need to match the best in global competitiveness. That means driving down the high cost of UK energy, reforming business rates and vigorously promoting Britain globally to secure the investments essential to a zero-carbon automotive future.”
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