Car production output at lowest since 1952
UK commercial vehicle and car production output fell in April to its lowest level since 1952, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Production fell by 15.8% to 59,203 units in the month, which represents the lowest output for any April for nearly three quarters of a century.
Car production fell 8.6% to 56,534 units, with production for export down 10.1% and production for the UK market falling by 3.3%.
Meanwhile, commercial vehicle output declined by 68.6% to 2,669 units, with export volumes falling by 75.8% and output for the domestic market down by 54.6%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “With automotive manufacturing experiencing its toughest start to the year since 2009, urgent action is needed to boost domestic demand and our international competitiveness.
“Government has recognised automotive manufacturing’s critical role in driving the UK economy, having successfully negotiated improved trading conditions for the sector with the US, EU and India in the space of a month.
“To take advantage of these trading opportunities we must secure additional investment which will depend on the competitiveness and confidence that can be provided by a comprehensive and innovative long-term industrial strategy. Get this right and the jobs, economic growth and decarbonisation will flow across the UK.”
