According to the latest figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), UK car production fell by 11.3 percent in April, with 60,554 units rolling off factory lines. Despite this, plug-in and electric vehicles faired much better.
The ongoing global shortage of semi-conductors, the impact of the war in Ukraine on supply chains, model changes and broader industry structural changes all contributed to a volatile month’s output.
In the UK, carmakers continue to shift focus towards the latest battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles. These technologies are essential to both cleaner air and net-zero ambitions.
More than one-in-four (26.4 percent) cars made in April were electrified. This is the equivalent of 16,010 units, up 2.1 percent on the same month a year ago, boosted by battery electric vehicle (BEV) output up 38.2 percent to 9.9 percent share.
The month of April also saw the UK’s best-ever month for battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, with 78.7 percent growth. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) registrations grew to 39,315 units taking a 16.1 percent market share. This is the highest volume of BEV registrations ever recorded in a single month in the UK.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The UK car industry is exposed to a host of issues that are undermining output and competitiveness. Global chip shortages and supply chain disruption are exacerbated by spiralling energy costs, additional trading costs and slowing global markets.
“The foundations of the sector are strong and the transition to zero and ultra-low emission vehicles continues apace but we need more policies and measures that support manufacturing and encourage investment into the UK at this most challenging of times.”
