UK vehicle production dropped by 58% in January

ERJ staff report (RD)

UK - Car production in the UK has fallen by 58.7 percent in January, according to figures published by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Commercial vehicle production was down by 59.9 percent and 83.5 percent of car output from the UK was allocated for export, “a record for any January,” SMMT said 20 Feb.

“Following extended winter shutdowns, vehicle output continued to fall in January in line with expectations. The extent of the decline highlights the critical need for further government action to deliver the measures already announced and ease access to finance and credit,” said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.

“The proportion of cars exported peaked in January, evidence of the resilience of UK automotive manufacturing,” he continued. “European markets have been lifted by scrappage incentive schemes and SMMT continues its call for a UK plan to boost the new vehicle market and support employment throughout the sector. The motor industry reiterates its request for an urgent government response,” Everitt added.

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Press release from The Society of Motor Mnufacturers and Traders (SMMT)