UK car production was down by almost a third (30.1%) in November year-on-year in what was the ninth consecutive month of decline in 2024.

New figures, published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), show that 64,216 cars rolled off factory lines, 27,711 fewer than in November last year. 

The SMMT says that this was due to a combination of factors, including strategic product decisions, weakness in key global markets, ‘calendarisation’ and the fact that production grew significantly in November 2023 as Covid-related supply chain challenges faded.

All major manufacturers experienced declines, representing the worst performance for the month since 1980.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the automotive trade body, said: “These figures offer little Christmas cheer for the sector. 

“While a decline was to be expected given the extensive changes underway at many plants, manufacturing is under pressure at home and abroad, with billions of pounds committed to new technologies, new models and new production tooling."

Output for both domestic and export markets fell sharply, down by more than half (56.7%) and a fifth (21.3%) respectively, with more than eight-in-10 cars shipped overseas and more than half of these (52.3%) heading into the EU.

Some 19,165 battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric cars were made in the month, representing almost a third (29.8%) of output, despite volumes declining by 45.5%.

From January to November, UK carmakers have produced more than a quarter of a million electrified (hybrid, PHEV or BEV) vehicles, down 19.7% on the same period in 2023 due primarily to model switchovers taking place at major plants.

In the year to date, UK car output has now fallen by 12.9% to 734,562 units – 108,787 fewer than the same period in 2023 and almost half a million short of 2019 volumes. 

Given the restructuring that is taking place across the global automotive industry which has seen plant closures, including the UK over this period, and the changes underway as companies transition from ICE to EV production, a decline was expected, says the SMMT.

Last month Automotive Management reported that the Government will launch a 'fast track' consultation on electric vehicle (EV) sales targets in the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate after mounting pressure from the auto industry.

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds revealed that a consultation would be launched in the coming weeks at the SMMT’s annual dinner on November 27.

Almost four weeks on the ‘fast-track’ consultation is yet to be launched by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Reynolds has stressed that the Government is still committed to the 2030 phase out date for petrol and diesel vehicles, but said it is clear there is a need for more support to make the transition to electric a success.

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