UK car production slumps for 12th month running

Output from British car factories fell 15.5 percent in May 2019, meaning UK automotive manufacturing has now declined for a full year without break.

More than 21,000 fewer cars left UK car factories during May, with exports down 12.6 percent and British cars for British buyers falling by over a quarter.

So far in 2019, car production in the UK is down 21 percent, to 1,370,961 cars. This is the lowest running total for six years.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the latest figures were proof of the importance of securing a Brexit deal without delay.

Exports account for over eight in 10 UK-made cars, and most cars are sent to Europe.

“Twelve consecutive months of decline for UK car manufacturing is a serious concern,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.

“The sector is facing multiple seismic challenges simultaneously: technological, environmental and economic.

“The ongoing political instability and uncertainty over our future overseas trade relationships, most notably with Europe, is not helping… a brighter future is only possible if we secure a deal that can help us regain our reputation as an attractive location for automotive investment.

“No deal is not an option.”

So far in 2019, almost 150,000 cars have been built in Britain, compared to 2018.