November drop in UK car production

UK car production fell -28.7 per cent in November to 75,756 units, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

It was the fifth consecutive month of decline and represents the worst November performance since 1984 as UK car makers continue to wrestle with the worldwide shortage of semiconductors.

The figures also reflect the loss of output arising from the closure of a UK car factory in the summer, a situation that will impact year-on-year comparisons until July 2022.

In November production for both domestic and overseas markets declined, down -18.8 per cent and -30.4 per cent respectively, as 30,487 fewer cars rolled off factory lines.

Exports accounted for more than 80 per cent of all cars produced last month, reinforcing the need for smooth international trade, especially with the EU, as new customs controls with the bloc come into effect on January 1, 2022.

Six-in-ten (60.3 per cent) cars shipped overseas in November headed into Europe.

Asia, meanwhile, took 15.6 per cent of UK car exports, the US 13.4 per cent and Australia 1.2 per cent.

Continuing the recent trend,

British production of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars took a record share of production, accounting for around a third (32.7 per cent) of all cars made in the month, and more than a quarter (25.5 per cent) over the year-to-date.