UK Vehicle Production Declines in April 2024 as Exports and Costs Weigh Industry
Overview of UK Auto Production Performance
April 2024 Production Figures
May 28 (Reuters) - UK auto production fell 1.2% year-on-year in April as a drop in commercial vehicle output and weak exports to China weighed on the industry, data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on Thursday showed.
Industry Response and Stabilisation
"April's figures suggest production is stabilising, albeit at reduced levels, when the ambition remains to grow the sector," SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said.
Key Challenges Facing UK Carmakers
Rising Costs and Trade Uncertainty
High energy and raw material costs as well as uncertainty over trade relations with the EU - Britain's largest auto export market - has weighed on UK carmakers.
Impact of EU "Made in Europe" Policy
Hawes also warned that the bloc's proposed "Made in Europe" policy, which would mandate sourcing components locally for electric vehicles, poses a "clear and present danger" to Britain's auto industry as it would cut access to crucial fleet sales in the EU.
"The forthcoming EU-UK Summit must address these issues and deliver solutions that safeguard our mutual competitiveness and growth," Hawes said.
Detailed Production and Export Data
Vehicle Output Statistics
Total UK vehicle production fell to 58,513 units in April, according to the trade body, with car output broadly stable for a second consecutive month and commercial vehicle volumes declining.
Export Market Performance
April car exports to the European Union rose 6.9% year-on-year to 23,103 units, shipments to the United States increased 6.8%, while exports to China slumped 44.4%.
Breakdown by Vehicle Type
Car output edged down 0.7% to 56,135 units, while commercial vehicle production fell 10.9% to 2,378 units, the smallest drop in 13 months as the impact of a major van plant closure faded.
(Reporting by Ankita Bora in Bengaluru; Editing by Diti Pujara)
