UK car production returned
to growth in October, rising 7.4% to 69,524 units,
according to the latest figures published today by the
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The rise followed September’s fall, which came after four
consecutive months of growth, illustrating how supply chain
turbulence, in particular global chip shortages, continues to
affect UK car manufacturers.
Although positive, with production for both home and overseas
markets up 12.5% and 6.3% respectively, October’s performance was
still -48.4% off 2019's total of 134,669 units and -52.8% off the
five-year pre-pandemic average for the
month.1 Exports of the latest volume, luxury and
specialist models drove output, with more than eight in 10
(81.2%) cars made heading overseas, equivalent to 56,469 units,
while 13,055 cars were turned out for the domestic market.
Export growth was led by rising shipments to the US (26.4%),
Japan (6.0%), South Korea (68.7%), Australia (125.4%)
and Turkey (1298.7%), although the total volumes to
these markets remain comparatively small. By far, the majority of
cars (54.9%) heading overseas went to the European Union,
despite a decline in exports to the bloc by
-2.7%. UK production of
battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV)
vehicles, meanwhile, rose again, with combined volumes up 20.3%
to 24,115 units. In the year to date, UK car factories have
produced a record 61,339 BEVs, up 16.2% on the same period in
2021.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “A
return to growth for UK car production in October is welcome –
though output is still down significantly on pre-Covid levels
amid turbulent component supply. Getting the sector back on track
in 2023 is a priority, given the jobs, exports and economic
contribution the automotive industry sustains. UK car makers are
doing all they can to ramp up production of the latest
electrified vehicles, and help deliver net-zero, but more
favourable conditions for investment are needed and needed
urgently – especially in affordable and sustainable energy and
availability of talent – as part of a supportive framework for
automotive manufacturing.”
Notes to editors
1 Average UK car production in October, 2015-19:
147,150 units.
About SMMT and the UK automotive industry
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of
the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It
supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and
abroad, promoting the industry to government, stakeholders and
the media.
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy and
integral to supporting the delivery of the agendas for levelling
up, net zero, advancing global Britain, and the plan for growth.
Automotive-related manufacturing contributes £67 billion turnover
and £14 billion value added to the UK economy, and typically
invest around £3 billion each year in R&D. With more than
182,000
people employed in manufacturing and some 780,000 in total across
the wider automotive industry, we account for 10% of total UK
exports with more than 150 countries importing UK produced
vehicles, generating £77 billion of trade.
More than 25 manufacturers build over 70 models of vehicles in
the UK, plus an array of specialist small volume manufacturers,
supported by some 5,000 supply chain businesses and some of the
world's most skilled engineers. Many of these jobs are outside
London and the Southeast, with wages that are around 14% higher
than the UK average. The automotive sector also supports jobs in
other key sectors – including advertising, finance and logistics.
More detail on UK Automotive available in SMMT's Motor Industry
Facts publication at www.smmt.co.uk/reports/smmt-motor-industry-facts/
Broadcasters: SMMT has an ISDN studio and
access to expert spokespeople, case studies and regional
representatives.
SMMT media contacts
Paul Mauerhoff
07809
522181 pmauerhoff@smmt.co.uk
James Boley
07927
668565 jboley@smmt.co.uk
Scott Clarke
07912 799959
sclarke@smmt.co.uk
Emma Butcher
07880 191825 ebutcher@smmt.co.uk
Rebecca Gibbs
07708 480889
rgibbs@smmt.co.uk
