UK vehicle production dips again as global demand weakens

UK vehicle production fell -17.2% in February, with 68,061 units leaving factories, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Output consisted of 65,885 cars (down -10.7%) and 2,176 commercial vehicles (-74.0%) as export demand in markets outside Europe remained weak, model changeovers impacted output and CV volumes continued to be affected by a major plant restructuring.

Exports of cars and CVs were down -11.5% and -65.1%, to 53,140 and 1,306 units respectively, though production for overseas buyers still accounted for the majority (80.0%) of total vehicle output. The European Union (EU) remained the largest global market for UK plants, taking 63.6% of car exports and 88.9% of CV shipments, and while car exports to the EU rose 5.3%, demand in the USA, China and Japan fell, by -34.3%, -66.4% and -6.8% respectively.

Car output for British buyers was down too, declining -7.5% to 12,745 units while CV production for the UK also fell steeply, by -81.2%, down to just 870 units. Production of battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) cars, meanwhile, fell -2.8% to 26,629 units, although they accounted for an improved 40.4% of car output.

Global turmoil
The news comes amid fresh global turmoil, notably in the Middle East, and with the UK sector facing additional pressure from ‘Made in the EU’ proposals set out in the European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act. As drafted, they would discriminate against UK-made vehicles and components — damaging a trading relationship worth almost £70 billion annually and potentially breaching the EU-UK Trade Cooperation Agreement — the Brexit deal — which all parties worked so hard to secure in 2020.

Governments must work together to extend full, trusted partner status to the UK automotive sector to ensure choice and affordability for consumers, particularly of zero-emission vehicles, on both sides of the English Channel. It would also drive economic growth and security across the UK and Europe, supporting rather than risking jobs and improving industrial competitiveness amid multiple global headwinds.

The SMMT’s chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Another decline for UK vehicle production and exports is extremely worrying, given these figures pre-date the crisis in the Middle East. While the sector has made efforts to build resilience into its logistics and supply chains post Covid-19, the conflict adds further strain. Now more than ever we must focus on our industrial competitiveness by driving down energy costs, backing our suppliers, supporting our domestic market and securing free and fair trade with Europe.”