CAR production in the UK has dwindled for the sixth-straight month as factories continue winding down their key models.
Manufacturers are all in on the electric vehicle pursuit and as they retool for the new green generation, production has slowed across the board.
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New vehicle production declined by 8.4 per cent in August, according to financial publication This is Money.
Along with manufacturers embracing the EV era, the latest decline has been put down summer shutdowns.
Car production fell 3,781 units during August.
In total, 41,271 new cars were sent to showrooms – but it was an 8.4 per cent drop on August last year.
A more dramatic decline was recorded for production for the UK market – down 19.8 per cent – than exports, which fell by just 5.9 per cent.
It continues the car slowdown seen over the year, with an 8.5 per cent fall.
But it’s not all grim news for petrol heads.
Production for the home market is actually up 12.3 per cent in the year to date, with exports having taken the hit – falling 13.6 per cent.
Last year, £24billion worth of private and public investment in the car industry renewed some hope for the UK market, and many brands followed it up by announcing their own new projects.
It was said to put British production “back in the game”.
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Mike Hawes said: “With the traditional summer shutdowns and factories prepping to switch to new models, August was always going to be a quieter month for output.
“The sector remains optimistic about a return to growth, however, with record levels of investment announced last year.”
Hawes added the government needs to “demonstrate that it backs auto” with the autumn budget to be handed down October 30.
The trade association also wants “a blueprint with its proposals for cheaper, green energy, skills investment and the cultivation of healthy markets here and abroad”.
Without further investment, it’s feared the UK will lose its competitiveness.
