UK car production returned to growth in October, rising 7.4% to 69,524 units, but it is still well adrift of pre pandemic performance.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, which released the figures, said the UK was still suffering from the global shortage of microchips.
October’s performance was -48.4% off 2019’s total of 134,669 units and -52.8% off the five-year pre-pandemic average for the month.
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.
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.”
