Car production in the UK rose by 8.6% in July 2022, the third consecutive month of growth.
A total of 58,043 cars rolled off production lines last month, compared with 53,438 in in July 2021, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
However, to put this increase in context, last July was the worst since 1956 as car makers faced multiple issues including the global shortage of semiconductors and staff absences arising from the ‘pingdemic’ which forced some to alter summer shutdown timings.
Production remains 46.4% below pre-pandemic levels. In July 2019, UK manufacturers made 108,239 cars.
Shipments continue to drive the sector, accounting for eight out of 10 cars made (80.0%). Compared to a year ago, exports to the European Union and the United States fell, down 7.3% and 22.8% respectively, while orders from China and Japan rose by 54.0% and 40.1%.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said that the continued rise in output “gives some hope that the supply chain issues blighting the sector may finally be starting to ease”.
But he pointed out that manufacturers are still facing other challenges, including energy costs “which are increasing at alarming rates”.
“If we are to attract much needed investment to drive the production of zero emission vehicles, urgent action is needed to mitigate these costs to make the UK more competitive for manufacturing,” Hawes added.
“This must be a priority for the next prime minister else we will fall further behind our global rivals, risking jobs and economic growth.”
