UK car production fell for a 12th consecutive month in May, with industry bosses blaming a 15.5% year-on-year decline on the continued impact of earlier UK factory shutdowns, along with falling global and domestic demand.
A total of 116,035 cars were produced in the UK last month, 21,239 fewer than the same month in 2018, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Production of domestic models fell by 25.9%, while 12.6% less cars were built to be shipped overseas.
Manufacturing for export still accounted for 80.9% of all cars made, which the SMMT says reinforces its claim that maintaining a frictionless border crossing post-Brexit is crucial to the preservation of the UK’s manufacturing industry.
This week, the SMMT has called for the next prime minister to ensure the UK does not leave the EU without a deal. It claims that delays caused by increased security checks at border crossings could incur financial penalties of up to £50,000 per minute for the automotive industry.
Overall, 116,035 new cars were built in the UK in May, a 15.5% decline compared to the same period in 2018, when 137,274 units were sent to dealerships. Year-to-date, the UK has produced 557,295 cars, 21% less than the 705,774 that had been produced by this point last year.
The main reason for the shortfall, claims the SMMT, is the decision by companies including Jaguar Land Rover, Honda, BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce to close their factories temporarily in April amid widespread confusion over Britain’s date of departure from the EU.
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It would be interesting to know what % of exports go to European countries.
The biggest fall is domestic and that hasn't been affected by Brexit, more European policy on diesel and low confidence on what trick the government will pull next.
If Brexit wasn't on the horizon, I still believe the figures would have been the same, they would have had to find something else to blame.
Cars are too expensive now
With small cars like Fiestas costing over £20,000 now, and that's not even considering the sports models, no wonder less cars are being sold (BREXIT has been used by manufacturers as an excuse to raise prices further as well).
Who wants to 'invest' that much money in something that drops dramatically in value straight away, and won't remain in good condition for very long thanks to all the selfish / inconsiderate bad drivers and vandals about?
It's about time a car publication did an article on how much car prices have risen in recent years - it's far greater than the rate of inflation and isn't just because of more safety kit and in-car tech (that some people don't want anyway).
Economical with the facts?
They didn't shut down because of a possible Brexit, they simply brought forward their already planned shutdowns. i.e. those shutdowns make no difference to output.
That shouldn't need to be said, it should be part of the above report. I can only assume it convenient to leave certain facts out otherwise the SMMT could be made to look foolish, and we could never have that.
Well Said
Well said scotty5, you highlight 'an inconvenient truth.