January 29, 2021
1 min read

UK car manufacturing industry feel slump

The UK’s car manufacturing output fell 29.3 per cent in 2020 to 920,928 units year-on-year, the lowest total since 1984, amid a double whammy of the Covid-19 pandemic disruption and the Brexit uncertainty, the country’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

“These figures, the worst in a generation, reflect the devastating impact of the pandemic on UK automotive production, with Covid lockdowns depressing demand, shuttering plants and threatening lives and livelihoods,” Xinhua news agency quoted Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, as saying in a statement on Thursday.

Production for overseas buyers fell 29.1 per cent last year to 749,038 units, while output for the domestic market was down 30.4 per cent to 171,890, the SMMT said in a report.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (C) and EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (L) attend a press conference on the post-Brexit trade talks in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong/ians)

Notably, shipments to the US, Japan and Australia all fell, down 33.7 per cent, 21.6 per cent and 21.8 per cent, respectively, while exports to China up 2.3 per cent, said the SMMT.

The European Union remained the UK’s biggest export destination, taking a 53.5 per cent share in 2020, despite volumes falling 30.8 per cent to 400,460 units.

The combined production of battery electric (BEV), plug-hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid vehicles (HEV) rose to 18.8 per cent of all cars made in the UK, up from 14.8 per cent a year before, said the SMMT.

Looking ahead, the trade association said much will “depend on the extent of Covid measures here and abroad and the speed with which showrooms can reopen”.

“The industry faces 2021 with more optimism, however, with a vaccine being rolled out and clarity on how we trade with Europe, which remains by far our biggest market,” Hawes added.

Also Read-‘Govt will take every step to fulfill people’s expectations’

Previous Story

Japan jobless rate surges for 1st time in 11 yrs

Next Story

‘Equal parenting has more profound impact’

Latest from Lite Blogs

Selvaraghavan Hails Mohanlal’s Brilliance

Helmed by Tharun Moorthy, Thudarum became a massive commercial success upon its release earlier this year, breaking multiple records Celebrated Tamil filmmaker Selvaraghavan, widely known for his intense storytelling and being actor

Priyanka Chopra’s Action Thriller

The film’s technical team includes Steven Price as the music composer, Ben Davis behind the lens as cinematographer, and Tom Harrison-Read serving as the editor—indicating a polished and impactful cinematic experience After

Recipe: Cranberry Coconut Laddoo

A recipe deeply rooted in Indian culinary traditions, it’s always a refreshing take to infuse classic recipes with contemporary twists. One such delightful innovation is the Cranberry Coconut Laddoo—a harmonious blend of

Green Stars Speak

This year’s World Environment Day theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution”, aligning with global efforts to phase out single-use plastics and promote circular economies On the eve of World Environment Day 2025, celebrated

Long Naps Raise Risk

Researchers believe that irregular and long naps could disrupt natural sleep cycles and might indicate underlying health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression Sleeping more than 30 minutes in the
Go toTop