UK car production fell by nearly a quarter to 59,010 units in October, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
This represents a fall of 18,474 compared to the same month last year.
However, production of electrified vehicles rose 10.4% to 27,287 units, accounting for 46.2% of the total output.
Meanwhile, commercial vehicle production decreased by 74.9% to 3,106 units, making it the seventh month in a row of falling volumes.
Year-to-date, UK car and van production is 17% down on the first 10 months of 2024 with 644,366 units entering the market. However, production is anticipated to return to growth in 2026 with a total of 828,000 cars and vans expected to leave factories.
Difficult month
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Another difficult month for UK vehicle production as the impact of the earlier cyber attack continued to be felt. Growth is on the horizon, however, and government has recognised the automotive industry as a pillar of national strategic importance, backing it with an industrial strategy and additional £1.5bn to drive manufacturing competitiveness.
“Investment competitiveness also depends on a healthy domestic market, however, notably for EVs, and introducing a new electric-Vehicle Excise Duty is the wrong measure at the wrong time.
“This new tax will undermine demand, so government must work with industry to reduce the cost of compliance and protect the UK’s investment appeal.”
