UK car production falls in September but EVs on the rise

The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show a six per cent drop in UK car manufacturing output in September, after four straight months of growth.

A total of 63,125 models came off factory lines, with output still down almost half from 2019, restricted by severe supply-chain issues affecting manufacturers. Exports also fell by 7.4 per cent, with reductions in shipments to the EU, the United States and China failing to offset increases in sales to South Korea, Australia and Turkey. 

There was some positive news: despite the overall decline, UK production of battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles continued to rise, with a 9.9 per cent increase to reach a record share of 37.8 per cent of the total number of cars made in the UK. 

Over the past five years, the value of exports of electric cars has risen sixfold to £7.9bn, and they now make up a third of the value of all UK car exports. 

"Billions of pounds and thousands of jobs are dependent on the automotive sector and, increasingly, on electrified vehicle production," said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. "Despite the current challenges, our car makers remain resilient and are well placed to ramp up output of the latest, zero-emission vehicles which will help drive an economic recovery, create jobs and boost growth. Success is not guaranteed, however, and to realise its potential the UK sector must attract new investment – which means creating competitive investment conditions. Stability, combined with a plan that tackles critical skills shortages, delivers regulatory certainty and brings down the cost of energy in the long-term, can help put the UK at the forefront of next-generation automotive manufacturing."

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