Car production falls by 22%

CAR production declined more than 22% in the UK during August as many of the major car manufacturers took their annual holiday shutdown.

The figures while initially startling are nothing really significant – August is typically the quietest month of the year in terms of production volumes.

Even taking into account the shutdown, 994,949 cars have been manufactured in the UK so far in 2014 – up 1% on January-August 2013.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said that UK car production was set for a bright future, with significant investments being realised and new models starting assembly.
 
Nevertheless, export volumes were down considerably, while production for the home market dipped almost 10% compared to August last year.

“The month of August – typically the quietest of the year – saw a 22.1% drop in car production over 2013 as the 2014 calendar meant some key plants took additional shutdown compared to last year,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.

“Volumes are still strong for the year-to-date, however, with the UK automotive sector in the midst of a renaissance. Global demand for quality UK-built products is at an unprecedented level, with significant investments into UK production facilities from government and industry currently being realised.”