Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that UK car manufacturing plummeted in April. A total of 112,116 cars were produced, representing an 18.2% drop in production from March which was the highest month on record.
Despite April’s fall in production, year-to-date output remains the strongest it has been for 17 years. So far in 2017, production has risen 1% to 593,796 cars.
Overseas demand continues to drive growth in UK car manufacturing, and this year 76.8% of all the cars produced in the UK have been exported. This overseas demand has helped to combat a 7% drop in domestic demand.
Mikes Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Overall, British car manufacturing remains in good health with the production outlook still very positive, and significant new models are due to go into UK production shortly.”
Ahead of next month’s general election, the SMMT has published a report calling on the next government to “safeguard the conditions that have made the UK’s automotive industry globally competitive”.
According to the SMMT, the sector provides 814,000 jobs and produces a turnover of £71.6bn.
