News

Export growth drives car manufacturing amid fall in domestic demand

Time 9:58 am, February 28, 2018

CAR production for the UK market has fallen for the sixth month in a row, new figures have revealed.

A total of 28,229 cars were built for the UK in January, six per cent down on the same month a year ago, reflecting falling business and consumer confidence.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and traders (SMMT) also blamed confusion over Government policies on diesel taxation and air quality plans.


The fall in domestic demand was offset by growth in exports, with a record 119,252 British-built cars shipped overseas last month, up by 1.5 per cent.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘While it is good to see global appetite for British-built cars reach record levels in January, this only reinforces the industry’s increasing reliance on overseas demand.

‘Future growth will therefore depend on maintaining our current open trade links not just with Europe but with key international markets.


‘A transitional deal will be an important first step but, in the long term, a seamless relationship between the UK and Europe must be maintained.

‘The EU remains the third largest new car market in the world and, given it is on our doorstep, it is not surprising it accounts for more than half of our global exports.’

A total of 147,481 cars were built in the UK in January, 72 fewer than a year ago.

MORE: Lots to celebrate as Lookers stages its general managers conference

MORE: Bristol Street Motors delivers car bought online to Wales

MORE: Hendy Group submits plans for new Dorest site

On WorkshopMagazine.co.uk: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems push up the average car repair bill 

 

Car Dealer Magazine's avatar

Car Dealer has been covering the motor trade since 2008 as both a print and digital publication. In 2020 the title went fully digital and now provides daily motoring updates on this website for the car industry. A digital magazine is published once a month.



More stories...

Advert
Server 108