Exports are playing a key role in the gradual recovery of the UK’s car manufacturing, according to new figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
In total, 219,887 cars were produced in the UK during the first quarter of 2023, a 6% rise compared with the same period last year. Exports accounted for 79% of these vehicles – the same proportion as recorded in Q1 2022 – but volumes rose from 163,799 to 174,559.
In March, 75.4% of all cars produced were sold abroad. European Union markets comprised the majority (63.6%) of these shipments, while exports to the US and China declined by 4.1% and 8.3% respectively.
Meanwhile, 20,059 cars were made for the UK market in March, a 5.1% decrease on the 21,133 built in March 2022.
Overall, UK car production rose by 6.1% in March 2023, to 81,605 units, an increase that has also been attributed to the industry's gradual recovery from the semiconductor shortage.
Two in five are powered by an ultra-low or zero-emission powertrain: parallel hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric. The combined volume of the three powertrains during March was 32,546 units, a 75% increase year on year.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes 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.”
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