Car production in the UK fell for the sixth consecutive month in August, ET Auto data shows

Car production in Britain fell for a sixth consecutive month in August, a traditionally lower production month, as summer lockdowns and factories prepared to switch to new models, industry data published on Thursday showed.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said a total of 41,271 new cars rolled off production lines, down 8.4% on last year.

EV production, which includes battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid models, also fell during the month, with its share of total production rising to 29.6% from 37.5% in July.

However, the industry expects this decline to reverse in the long term with the launch of new models.

“The industry remains optimistic about a return to growth despite record investment levels announced last year,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

Hawkes added that the Autumn budget on 30 October and the government’s proposed Industrial Strategy, which targets productivity through industrial and infrastructure investment, will be key to maintaining the competitiveness of the UK automotive industry.

Car production in the UK has fallen 8.5% so far this year to 522,823 units, SMMT said.