March decline for UK car manufacturing as industry repeats call for continued membership of customs union

147,471 cars roll off UK production lines in March

UK car production declined in March, with demand falling -13.3 per cent year on year, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 147,471 cars were built in British factories as the domestic market continued to slow, with demand falling -17.7 per cent. 

Exports also declined, down -11.9 per cent due to fluctuations in demand in some global markets. In addition, some manufacturers were impacted by the adverse March weather conditions which negatively affected production operations.
 
Britain’s vehicle and component manufacturers are important contributors to the UK economy and are responsible for 13 per cent of all the country’s export in goods. For every one pound generated by the industry, three pounds are delivered to the economy via adjacent sectors such as logistics, retail and finance, with SMMT calculations putting the total economic impact at £219 billion – 10 per cent of UK GDP.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “A double digit decline in car manufacturing for both home and overseas markets is of considerable concern. Following recent announcements on jobs cutbacks in the sector, it’s vitally important that the industry and consumers receive greater certainty, both about future policies towards diesel and other low emission technologies, and our post-Brexit trading relationships and customs arrangements. Maintaining free and frictionless trade is an absolute priority – it has been fundamental to our past success and is key to our future growth.”