Engineering news
The positive trend was highlighted in new figures released today (25 November) by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Overall car production returned to growth in October, the statistics showed, rising 7.4% to 69,524 units. Of those, 24,115 were BEVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and hybrids (HEV), an increase of 20.3%.
The increase follows a fall in production in September, which came after four months of growth. Supply chain turbulence – particularly global chip shortages – continue to affect UK car manufacturers, the SMMT said. October’s performance was still 48.4% below the same month in 2019, and 52.8% off the five-year pre-pandemic average for the month.
Exports of the latest volume, luxury and specialist models drove output, with more than eight in 10 (81.2%) of all cars produced heading overseas.
“A return to growth for UK car production in October is welcome – though output is still down significantly on pre-Covid levels amid turbulent component supply,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
“Getting the sector back on track in 2023 is a priority, given the jobs, exports and economic contribution the automotive industry sustains. UK carmakers are doing all they can to ramp up production of the latest electrified vehicles, and help deliver net zero, but more favourable conditions for investment are needed and needed urgently – especially in affordable and sustainable energy, and availability of talent – as part of a supportive framework for automotive manufacturing.”
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