UK automobile and industrial car (CV) manufacturing slumped in April, marking the weakest month for the sector since 1952- bar the Covid-hit April of 2020 – in response to new information launched by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT).
Whole output fell by 15.8% year-on-year to 59,203 models, capping off the bottom begin to the yr for UK automotive manufacturing since 2009.
The decline was significantly stark for industrial autos, with output plunging 68.6% to only 2,669 models, pushed largely by a plant closure and easing demand for brand spanking new heavy items autos.
Automobile manufacturing additionally dipped, falling 8.6% to 56,534 models, a results of fewer manufacturing days as a result of late Easter vacation, mannequin changeovers, and weakening demand in key export markets.
Automobile exports fell 10.1%, with shipments to the EU – nonetheless the UK’s largest abroad market – down 19.1%, and exports to the US falling 2.7%. Regardless of these declines, the EU accounted for greater than half of all automobile exports, and the US obtained 16.5%.
In distinction, automobile exports to China surged by 44%, and shipments to Turkey rose 31.2%, providing a uncommon vivid spot in an in any other case bleak export image.
Industrial car exports fared even worse, tumbling 75.8%, largely resulting from a 78.9% drop in deliveries to the EU, which nonetheless remained the dominant marketplace for UK-built CVs, receiving 84.9% of all exports. CV manufacturing for the UK home market additionally contracted sharply, down 54.6%.
With output ranges falling to historic lows, business leaders are urging the federal government to behave swiftly. The SMMT is looking for the approaching launch of a long-awaited industrial technique, which it says should embrace daring measures to boost competitiveness and entice funding.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief government, mentioned: “With automotive manufacturing experiencing its hardest begin to the yr since 2009, pressing motion is required to spice up home demand and our worldwide competitiveness.
“The federal government has acknowledged the sector’s significance by securing improved commerce phrases with the US, EU, and India. Now, to actually capitalise on these alternatives, we want a complete and progressive long-term industrial technique.
“Get this proper, and the rewards – jobs, progress, and progress in direction of decarbonisation – shall be felt throughout the UK.”
