Two in five car registrations have electric plugs
UK car production has surged again, rising 31.6% in July to mark the sixth consecutive month of growth, with electric-powered vehicles continuing to grow market share, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Production of the latest, high-tech hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continued apace, with combined volumes rising 73.9% to 30,180 units and representing almost two in every five (39.5%) cars made in July.
Since January, UK car makers have now turned out more than 200,000 of these vehicles, almost double the amount produced in the same period last year, and a total of 526,619 cars overall, an increase of 14.2% year-on-year.
76,451 units overall rolled off factory lines as UK car makers continued their recovery from recent difficulties, notably global chip shortages, to deliver the latest models to buyers at home and overseas – but output remained -29.4% lower than pre-pandemic July 2019.
Manufacturing output for the UK rose 13.7% to 13,187 units in the month while exports increased more than a third (36.1%) to 63,264 units, representing by far the bulk of all production in July.
The figures come after publication of the latest independent production outlook, which suggests total UK car production will reach around 860,000 units this year, an uplift of 10.9% on 2022 – with the possibility to get production back to the million mark in 2028.
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.”
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