The recovery of the UK automotive industry continued in the first quarter of 2023 with car production up six per cent to 219,887 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It found that factories produced 12,540 units more than quarter one last year, driven by a 6.6% increase in exports. March continued this trend with a 10.4% rise in exports offsetting a 5.1% fall in production for the UK market.
Meanwhile, the production of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles surged 75% in March to 32,546 units, meaning four in 10 vehicles manufactured in the month included a battery.
The SMMT also recorded a first-quarter rise in the production of commercial vehicles, although at a more modest rate of 1.1%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “A second consecutive month of growth for UK car production gives cause for optimism, though volumes are still well below pre-pandemic levels. If British car manufacturing is to get back towards those levels, with all the economic benefits that brings, we need to match the best in global competitiveness. That means driving down the high cost of UK energy, reforming business rates and vigorously promoting Britain globally to secure the investments essential to a zero carbon automotive future.”
