Domestic market drives manufacturing uptick

UK car manufacturing rose by 39.8% in September to 88,230 vehicles, which is 25,105 more than the same month last year.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), UK car making for the year is now at 659,901 units – some 14.9% above the same period in 2022.

Output increased for both domestic and export markets, with production for the UK up 65.9% to 23,503 units and overseas shipments rising 32.2% to 64,727 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “A particularly strong period of car making is good news for the UK, given the thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of investment that depend on the sector. With countries around the world shifting to zero-emission motoring, Britain is well placed to be a global EV manufacturing hub if the investment and trading conditions are right. Given the increasing importance of electrified car production, the first and urgent step is for the UK and EU to agree to delay the tougher rules of origin requirements that are due imminently.

“This would give the necessary breathing space for automotive sectors on both sides of the Channel to scale up gigafactories and green supply chains, both of which are essential for a stable, long-term transition.”

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