UK car production fell 9.7% in August after six months of steady growth.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported that 45,052 units were manufactured during the month, with production for the domestic market down by 25.2% and output for export dipping 5.5%.
However, manufacturing of green vehicles was up 2.8% to make it 14 months of consecutive growth.
Meanwhile, commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing grew 8.6% to 6,600 units, the best August figure for 11 years.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “After six straight months of growth, a decline in UK car output in what is always the smallest and most variable volume month is not a cause for concern. With car manufacturers taking advantage of the summer holiday season to upgrade their plants, this is part of an ongoing commitment to deliver the next generation of electric vehicles, with a record number of these models already being made.
“To secure future investment, however, we need business certainty, not least a UK-EU agreement to delay tougher rules of origin that would damage the competitiveness of electric vehicles in both the European and British markets and concrete details from the UK government on the regulation compelling the sale of EVs in Britain. Both are due to commence in less than 100 days and are essential to business planning and investment for 2024 and beyond.”
