Car production at its lowest in 12 years

Car production fell to its lowest January total for over a decade despite an increase in the manufacture of electric vehicles, new figures show.

Almost 68,800 cars left factories in January – down by 20% on a year ago and the worst figure for that month since 2009, said the SocietyofMotorManufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Production for overseas and domestic markets was down by 17.5% and 30.8% respectively but electric vehicle production was up a third, with one in 11 cars rolling off factory lines zero-emission.

Includingplug-inhybrids andhybrids,electrifiedvehiclesaccountedformorethan a quarter of output.

The worldwide shortage of semiconductors was still affecting production as well as the changeover of some popular models, said SMMT.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "It has been a torrid start to the year as global supply issues and structural changes squeeze output while model changes have also had an impact on production scheduling.

"The UK automotive manufacturing industry is, however, fundamentally strong and recent investment announcements are testament to the potential for growth, not least in terms of rising EV production. "Long-term recovery can onlybedelivered,however,if global competitiveness is assured and for that we must address both inflationary and fixed costs, most obviously escalating energy prices, but also fiscal and trading costs. Every measure must be taken if we are to secure a bright, electrified future for our world-class automotive manufacturing base."