Car production in the UK has fallen for the eighth straight month, intensifying pressure on the automotive industry as it navigates the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs).
According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), manufacturing output declined by 15.3% in October, producing 77,484 units. This drop leaves the total output down by 10% so far this year.
The downturn comes amid market turmoil following Stellantis—the parent company of Vauxhall—announcing plans to close its van-making plant in Luton, putting up to 1,100 jobs at risk. The company cited the UK government’s stringent zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate as a contributing factor.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, expressed deep concern over the industry’s future. “These are deeply concerning times for the automotive industry, with massive investments in plants and new zero-emission products under intense pressure,” he said.
Hawes highlighted that the slowdown in the global market, especially for EVs, has significantly impacted production. He noted that the UK is particularly exposed due to having “arguably the toughest targets and most accelerated timeline but without the consumer incentives necessary to drive demand.”
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