British car manufacturing fell by nearly 20 per cent last month.
New figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 129,030 vehicles were produced during November – down 19.6 per cent.
UK production fell by 1.9 per cent but exports were the most affected, with a 22.8 per cent drop – the fifth month in a row that they have fallen.
Automotive industry warns of catastrophe of exiting EU without an agreement; ‘No Deal’ must be off the table https://t.co/H7Fp8V1mIm pic.twitter.com/6ZrDzrTdCg
— SMMT (@SMMT) December 20, 2018
Just over 105,000 cars were exported in November, representing eight in 10 vehicles leaving UK factories.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It’s very concerning to see demand for UK-built cars decline in November, with output seriously impacted by falling business and consumer confidence in the UK allied to weakening export markets.
Serious decline for British car manufacturing in November. Production for home and overseas down -1.9% and -22.8% in the month. https://t.co/YnTbsRjHJn pic.twitter.com/MNvXBOVkrQ
— SMMT (@SMMT) December 21, 2018
“With fewer than 100 days until the UK leaves the European Union, the automotive industry needs certainty and a ‘no-deal’ Brexit must be ruled out.
“Thousands of jobs in British car factories and supply chains depend on free and frictionless trade with the EU – if the country falls off a cliff edge next March the consequences would be devastating.”
In the year to date, more than 1.4 million cars have been produced in the UK in total – an 8.2 per cent year-on-year decline. Export volumes are down by 75,085 vehicles, while output for the UK market is down by 54,143.
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