Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that UK car manufacturing fell just under 10% in May. A total of 136,119 cars were produced, which was the second significant year-on-uyear decrease in a row after April saw production plummet compared to 2016.
Production for the domestic market fell 12.8% in May, continuing the overall trend for 2017, with year-to-date results down 8.1%. In total, 153,199 of the cars manufactured this year have found their way to UK showrooms.
Overseas demand has been driving UK car manufacturing in 2017. Since January, 576,556 new cars have been exported, representing a 0.8% year-on-year increase. However, May saw production for overseas markets fall 0.9%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, noted: “After a record start to the year, car production in the UK has slowed, yet global demand is strong and exports remain the driving force for British car production volumes in the UK.”
