Manufacturing dips despite strong EV figures

UK car manufacturing output fell by seven per cent to 61,820 in April, according the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This was the second successive month of falling output.

However, electrified vehicle volumes continued to perform strongly, with 25,031 units manufactured representing 40.5% of all production.

Meanwhile, UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing fell by 19.9% in April with 8,413 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches rolling off factory lines. Despite this, CV production for the year is up 289.1% on the same period in 2019 and 13.6% higher than in 2023.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said:

“Another month of falling UK car production was expected given the significant transformation underway within factories as manufacturers retool to produce new models. Keeping this progress on track is essential and requires favourable industrial and market conditions. With a general election in a matter of weeks, the next government must ensure the conditions are right not just for the competitiveness of UK manufacturing, but for the investment required to transition the sector to a net zero future.