UK car factories are gearing up for the electric switch

Car production fell last month, continuing a trend seen throughout the year, new figures show.

The the number of cars built in UK factories was 8.4% lower in August compared to the same month last year.

The Society of Automobile Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 41,271 new cars left production lines, 3,781 fewer than last August.

The commercial body said the decline continues this year’s trend as factories wind down production of key models and prepare for new, mainly electric models.

electric battery, Production of plug-in hybrids and hybrids for the month fell 25%, but SMMT said the decline is expected to be reversed as new models are introduced.

Household production the market fell by almost 20%, while exports fell by 5.9%.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of SMMT, said: “With the traditional summer closures and factories preparing to switch to new models, August was always going to be a quieter month for production.

“However, the sector remains optimistic about a return to growth, with record levels of investment announced last year.

“I realize these investments and insurance more depends on keeping UK industry competitive, so we look forward to both the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget and the Government’s proposed industrial strategy as critical opportunities to demonstrate that it supports automotive.”

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