UK Car Production Fell by 11 per cent in July 2018: SMMT

UK car production declined 11.0 per cent in July when compared to production level recorded during the same period last year (year-on-year basis), according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on Thursday (30).

Only 121,051 units left production lines as a raft of factors, including model changes, seasonal and operational adjustments and preparation for the introduction of the tough new emissions standards, affected output, SMMT said in a release.

Production of cars for export in the month fell 4.2 per cent, while 35.0 per cent fewer cars were built for the UK market. However, the declines follow particularly strong in July 2017 when the launch of several new models boosted output by almost 10,000 units and resulted in a substantial 17.7 per cent rise in British demand for the month, SMMT highlighted in its report.

In the year to date, the sector remains broadly on track to meet 2018 expectations, with 955,453 cars built in the first seven months. While production for the UK is currently down 16.0 per cent compared with the same period last year, exports remain strong, dipping by a more moderate 1.2 per cent and accounting for 81.3 per cent of all output.

“While the industry is undoubtedly feeling the effects of recent uncertainty in the domestic market, drawing long-term conclusions from monthly snapshots requires a health warning,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.

“The bigger picture is complex and month by month fluctuations are inevitable as manufacturers manage product cycles, operational changes and the delicate balance of supply and demand from market to market,” he added.

“To ensure future growth, we need political and economic clarity at home, and the continuation of beneficial trading arrangements with the EU and other key markets,” Mike Hawes pointed out.