For the first time in eleven months, car production has finally risen in the UK after a sharp decline in output…
UK Car Production Finally Rises
After 11 months of sustained decline, car production has finally risen in the UK. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have revealed that 62,284 cars were produced in May; 13.3% more than the same month in 2021.
Notably, the production of battery-electric vehicles more than doubled (108.3%) from 2172 to 4525. Overall, one in five vehicles assembled in May were alternatively fuelled. A 19.3% rise over May last year. Nevertheless, the industry is far from a true recovery.
Year-to-year car production figures are still down by 23.2% on last year. For perspective, that means 330,185 vehicles have been assembled this year compared with 429,826 by this point in 2021.
‘Fundamental Resilience’
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, welcomed the rise in production during May. However, he’s emphasised that there’s a long way to go in getting the industry back on its feet.
He said, “May’s return to growth for UK car output is hugely welcome after 10 months of decline, indicating the sector’s fundamental resilience”.
He continued, “any recovery, however, will be gradual. As supply chain deliveries remain erratic, business costs volatile and geopolitical instability still very real. With the industry racing to decarbonise, we need to safeguard manufacturing competitiveness, drive investment and develop the skill base. Government and industry have a role to play in this transformation; and collaboration will be essential if the UK is to remain at the forefront of automotive innovation”.
Electric Company Cars Could Ease Cost-of-Living Crisis – https://autoservefleet.co.uk/latest-news/electric-company-cars-could-ease-cost-of-living-crisis/
New Report Suggests Driverless Cars Could Be Used As ‘Weapons’ – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/new-report-suggests-driverless-cars-could-be-used-as-weapons/