UK car manufacturing falls again

UK car manufacturing fell 9.8% in October, with 15,255 fewer units produced compared with the same month a year ago, according to data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Market turbulence at home and overseas, uncertainty over Brexit and model changes all played a part in the decline.

Production for the home market fell 12.1% in October – the fifth consecutive month of decline, with 24,246 cars destined for UK showrooms. Meanwhile, overseas demand also fell, down 9.3% last month.

However, exports continued to account for the lion’s share of output taking 82.7% of all cars produced. Year-to-date output remains down, falling 6.9%, with some 1.3 million units produced in the first 10 months.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, ‘The fifth consecutive month of decline for UK car manufacturing is undoubtedly concerning and, while a number of factors have been at play, there is no doubt that business and consumer uncertainty is having a significant impact. With eight in 10 British-built cars destined for overseas markets, the majority to the EU, the sector’s dependence on exports cannot be downplayed. Europe is our largest trading partner and securing the right Brexit agreement which allows free and frictionless trade is vital for the future health of our industry.’