UK car production declined in March, down -27.1% year-on-year to 59,467 units, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It was the first fall since August last year and is in line with expectations for a variable year, as manufacturers adjust factories to produce the next generation of cars, notably electric, winding down volumes of existing models in the process. An early 2024 Easter bank holiday also played a part, with fewer working days this March than the year before.

Volumes for the UK declined marginally, down just -0.3% to 19,995 units, while production for export fell -35.9% to 39,472 units, although more than six-in-10 cars made in March were shipped overseas. Continuing recent trends, the European Union (EU) received by far the bulk of exports (57.9%) followed by the USA (11.4%), China (5.9%), Australia (4%) and Japan (1.8%). Shipments to the top five export markets, apart from the USA, all fell.

Electrified vehicle (battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid) volumes again represented more than a third of all production (38.4%) with manufacturers producing a combined 22,865 units, although this was down -29.7% on the year before in part reflecting the issues outlined earlier, notably model changeovers.

Overall, UK car production remained up 1.1% in the first quarter, at 222,371 units, with a 33.9% rise in output for the UK offsetting a -7.4% decline in exports. Despite this fall, by far the majority – 72.7% – of all cars made in Britain in Q1 were for export.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “This fall is not unexpected given the wholesale changes taking place within UK car factories as existing models are run out and more plants transition to electric vehicle production. We can expect further volatility throughout 2024 as manufacturers lay the foundations for a successful zero emission future.

“Recent investment announcements have boosted confidence and enhanced the UK’s reputation but there needs to be an unrelenting commitment to competitiveness. Free and fair trade deals must be secured, energy costs reduced and the workforce upskilled if we are to attract further investment to improve productivity and decarbonise automotive manufacturing and its supply chain.”

The latest independent production outlook now expects UK car and light van production to fall -6.2% to some 940,000 units this year, mainly due to multiple model changeovers, before returning to growth in 2025. Output is anticipated to get back above a million units from 2026 and reach 1.2 million before the end of the decade as more EV production comes on stream around the UK.