The UK has recorded its best November for car production since 2020, with 91,923 cars rolling off production lines.
A result of waning supply issues that have marred the industry this year, the 11,832 (14.8%) year-on-year uplift in vehicles sets the country up for a more productive 2024 as it moves to match pre-pandemic levels, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders today.
The figures, released by the SMMT, show “UK car production is firmly back on track following the tough Covid years”, said CEO Mike Hawes.
The month’s uplift included a 13.4% (to 22,919) rise in UK-sold vehicles and 15.2% (to 69,004) rise in those bound for overseas markets.
Exports continued to drive the UK’s output, accounting for a 75.1% share of total production. The EU, China and Turkey were the main recipient markets. Shipments to all three rose by 22.4%, 37.3% and 208.8% respectively, offsetting a 21.6% fall in US-bound cars.
November’s numbers also represented a 16.5% year-to-date production rise to 843,345 units, with a record number of electrified cars (battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid) produced.
Combined volumes were up 20% to 35,169 – 38.3% of the total manufacturing output. Since January, 322,577 vehicles have been built (up 53.7%, 119,499 year on year), pushing overall production volumes to 843,345 units.
Hawes said: “UK car production is firmly back on track following the tough Covid years and resulting supply chain challenges.
“With significant investment now committed to UK automotive manufacturing, and production volumes increasing, there is renewed confidence in the sector.”
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