UK car production on slide amid fall in vehicle exports

A decline in exports of cars in the United Kingdom has resulted in fewer vehicles being manufactured, recent data has revealed. In July, the country produced 63,655 cars, a decrease of 11 percent compared to the same month last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The production of commercial vehicles also dropped by 34.4 percent.

Exports fell by nearly 16 percent to 47,377 vehicles. The SMMT attributed the decline to scheduled summer maintenance shutdowns at some plants and weaker overseas demand. Exports to significant markets like the EU, the United States, Turkey, China, and Japan all saw decreases. However, production of fully electric and hybrid models marked the first monthly increase of the year, up 6.8 percent to 25,678 units.

These electrified models accounted for more than four in ten cars built in July, up from around three in ten a year ago. Mike Hawes, CEO of the SMMT, stated that the July figures highlight the intense pressure on UK vehicle manufacturers. He noted that while the decline in production is partly due to shutdowns and model changes, it is also being exacerbated by reduced demand overseas and intense global competition.

Hawes expressed hope that the rise in electric vehicle production is encouraging, but success in the long run hinges on making the UK a more competitive place to manufacture and sell vehicles.