Last year was the worst for UK car production since 1956, with output throttled by ongoing global supply-chain issues and the recent closure of two of the country’s largest plants.
A total of 775,014 cars left UK factories in 2022, down 9.8% on 2021 but – more starkly and significantly – a huge 40.8% down on pre-pandemic 2019, when more than 1.3 million cars were built.
Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have laid bare the impact of various geopolitical issues and supply constrictions on the British automotive industry - as well as highlighting, according to chief executive Mike Hawes, the critical need to attract new investment.
