Car production fell by a considerable 41.3% in February to just 61,657 units making it the worst February since 2009…
Worst February since 2009
February was a difficult month for the UK’s automotive industry. Car production was down by 41.3%, meaning that 43,351 fewer cars were made than in the same month back in 2021. Overall, it was the worst February on record since 2009 – a testament to the difficulties the industry is facing.
The loss of production is largely due to the ongoing, global semiconductor shortage. However, the closure of Honda’s production facility in Swindon has also had an impact. The decline in production concerned both the domestic market and exports, which saw a decline of 35.8% and 41.8% respectively. Still, exports accounted for eight out of ten cars made in the country. Some 62.4% of these were destined for markets in the European Union. The US and China took 11% and 8.7% respectively.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. Production of EVs and hybrids reached 15,905 in February; accounting for 25.8% of all cars made.
‘Radical Transformation’
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented on the state of the nation’s car industry. He said, “The automotive industry is undergoing its most radical transformation in more than a hundred years, but manufacturers are simultaneously facing the most extreme operating conditions as global economic headwinds drive up costs and constrain supply”.
He continued, “the sector entered 2022 hopeful for recovery, but that recovery has not yet begun, and urgent action is now needed to help mitigate spiralling energy costs and ensure the sector remains globally competitive to encourage the investment essential to growth, job security and the delivery of net zero ambitions”.
Driving With A Mobile Phone: Drivers Unconvinced By Law Change – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/driving-with-a-mobile-phone-drivers-unconvinced-by-law-change/
All The Bad Habits That Are Prematurely Aging Your Car – https://www.autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/all-the-bad-habits-that-are-prematurely-aging-your-car/
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