UK car production rose year-on-year for the sixth month in a row in July, led by demand for EV cars, as the country edges closer to a looming 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said production was turbocharged by the UK’s EV sector with combined volumes of all electric makes, including high-tech hybrid electrics and plug-ins, up 73.9% and representing almost two in five cars made in July.
Overall production from UK factories rose by 31.6% in July compared to last year, according to the new data from the SMMT, although output remains 29% below 2019.
Six months of growth for UK car production
???? car production surges 31.6% in July
????Double digit rises in demand from overseas & UK, up 36.1% and 13.7%
????Year-to-date, factories turn out 526,619 cars, with volumes up 14.2%https://t.co/WeE52K7tkj pic.twitter.com/mHovtG2Cps
— SMMT (@SMMT) August 31, 2023
Over eight-in-ten UK-made care were shipped overseas, with the EU taking the top spot followed by the US, China, Japan and Australia.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Six months of growth shows that British car production is recovering and, with electrified models increasingly driving volumes, the future is more positive.”
“Recent investment announcements have undoubtedly bolstered the sector but global competition remains tough.”
“If we are to attract further investment and produce the next generation of zero emission models and technologies, we need a coherent strategy that builds on our strengths and supports all aspects of advanced automotive manufacturing.”