UK car production slumps to lowest November level since 1980

UK car production fell sharply in November, falling by around a third compared to the same month last year and reaching its lowest November production since 1980.

According to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), just 64,216 cars rolled off production lines – 27,711 fewer than in November 2023 – marking the ninth consecutive monthly decline.

Of those produced, less than a third (19,165) were battery electric or hybrid vehicles, a sector that itself registered a 45.5% decline year-on-year. The overall performance dates back to an era of industrial turmoil and Ford dominance in the early 1980s, when the Escort Mk3, Sierra and Cortina were among Britain’s best-selling cars, and production last fell to that low for November.

These numbers come at a time when the UK automotive sector is experiencing major turmoil. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, acknowledged the scale of change: “A decline had been expected given the large-scale transformations underway in many factories, but manufacturers are facing pressures both at home and abroad. Billions of pounds are being pumped into technologies, models and production tools.” New, but the challenges are huge.

The data also underscores unequal demand. Domestic market production fell by more than half last month, while export-oriented production shrank by 21.3%. The year-to-date total is about 734,500 cars, down 108,790 compared to the same point in 2023 and only about half of 2019 volumes.

This realistic background is further complicated by political decisions. Stellantis, Vauxhall’s parent company, recently announced plans to close its van-making plant in Luton, putting up to 1,100 jobs at risk. Stellantis placed part of the blame on tough new rules in the UK that require manufacturers to meet annual zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales targets or face hefty fines.

Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, has acknowledged the industry’s concerns and pledged to review the ZEV mandate. He is eagerly awaiting the government’s response, expected in January.

SMMT believes that immediate and decisive action is now crucial. “With the domestic electric vehicle market not growing as quickly as expected, the UK government must respond quickly,” the organization said. “Providing incentives for private consumers, accelerating the rollout of charging infrastructure, and fast-tracking a coherent industrial and commercial strategy are all vital steps. Most urgent is for the consultation to publish amendments to the ZEV mandate. Linking the thriving domestic market to strong domestic production is essential to reviving sector.

As manufacturers grapple with a complex mix of evolving technology, changing consumer behavior and political uncertainty, November’s figures serve as a reminder of the turmoil that is reshaping the once-mighty UK car industry.


Jimmy Young

Jamie is an experienced business journalist and senior reporter at Business Matters, with over a decade of experience reporting on UK SME business. Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops to stay at the forefront of emerging trends. When Jamie is not reporting on the latest business developments, he is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs, sharing their wealth of knowledge to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

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