Britain’s car production dropped by 7% in April compared to the previous year, marking a second consecutive month of decline as manufacturers phased out existing models and more plants transitioned to electric vehicle (EV) production, according to industry data released on Thursday.
In April, 61,820 cars were produced, down from 66,527 units in the same month last year, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported.
This follows a significant 27.1% decline in March production volumes.
“With a general election in a matter of weeks, the next government must ensure the conditions are right not just for the competitiveness of UK manufacturing, but for the investment required to transition the sector to a net zero future,” stated SMMT CEO Mike Hawes.
Electrified vehicles, including fully electric models, plug-in hybrids, and full hybrids, accounted for 40.5% of all cars produced, up from 37.7% the previous year.
Manufacturers produced 25,031 units of EVs, representing a modest 0.1% increase over the previous year, according to the industry body.
The production of EVs continues to grow as major players like Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover-owner Tata Motors invest billions in the country to accelerate EV production and support the UK’s goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
Despite the increase in EV production, overall UK car production is down 0.8% compared to 2023 volumes for the year to date, SMMT noted.
The automotive industry is undergoing significant changes, with a clear shift towards electrification.
The modest rise in EV production highlights the ongoing transition, supported by substantial investments from industry giants.
However, the overall decline in production underscores the challenges the sector faces during this period of transformation.
As the UK approaches a general election, the focus on creating favorable conditions for manufacturing competitiveness and investment in the transition to a net-zero future remains crucial for the automotive industry’s success and sustainability.