UK - Flash report, Production volume, 2018

Flash report, December 2018

1 Feb. 2019

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK car production decrease 18.7% to 84,831 units in December, down 8.3% in 2018
On January 31, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK car production for December decreased 18.7% over the previous year to 84,831 units. Passenger car production was down 22.4% to 78,106 units and commercial vehicle production was up 79.2% to 6,725 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was down by 15.2% to 150,705 units.
Vehicle exports down 23.3% (y/y) to 68,413 units and domestic sales increased 8.3% (y/y) to 16,418 units. The percentage of export was 80.6%.
Full-year production of 1,604,328 vehicles in 2018 represented an decrease of 8.3% from 2017. The passenger car production was down 9.1% to 1,519,440 units, commercial vehicle was up 8.5% to 84,888 units and engines were down 0.3% to 2,715,400 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "With fewer than 60 days before we leave the EU and the risk of crashing out without a deal looking increasingly real, UK Automotive is on red alert. Brexit uncertainty has already done enormous damage to output, investment and jobs. Yet this is nothing compared with the permanent devastation caused by severing our frictionless trade links overnight, not just with the EU but with the many other global markets with which we currently trade freely. Given the global headwinds, the challenges to the sector are immense. Brexit is the clear and present danger and, with thousands of jobs on the line, we urge all parties to do whatever it takes to save us from ‘no deal’. "

UK vehicle production figures

		Dec. 2018				Jan.-Dec. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		78,106	6,725	84,831	150,705	1,519,440	84,888	1,604,328	2,715,400
Y-o-Y(%)		-22.4%	79.2%	-18.7%	-15.2%	-9.1%	8.5%	-8.3%	-0.3%
Breakdown	Export	64,673	3,740	68,413	105,999	1,237,608	50,320	1,287,928	1,683,469
	Y-o-Y(%)	-25.3%	40.1%	-23.3%	6.0%	-7.3%	2.9%	-6.9%	13.1%
	% of Total	82.8%	55.6%	80.6%	70.3%	81.5%	59.3%	80.3%	62.0%
	Sales	13,433	2,985	16,418	44,706	281,832	34,568	316,400	1,031,931
	Y-o-Y(%)	-4.6%	175.6%	8.3%	-42.5%	-16.3%	17.9%	-13.5%	-16.4%
	% of Total	17.2%	44.4%	19.4%	29.7%	18.5%	40.7%	19.7%	38.0%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, November 2018

25 Dec. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 17.9% to 137,013 units in November
On December 21, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for November decreased 17.9% over the previous year to 137,013 units. Passenger car production was down 19.6% to 129,030 units and commercial vehicle production was up 26.5% to 7,983 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was down by 14.2% to 239,774 units.
Vehicle exports decreased 22.4% (y/y) to 109,082 units and domestic sales increased 6.1% (y/y) to 27,931 units. The percentage of export was 79.6%.
In the first eleven months of 2018, total vehicle production decreased 7.6% (y/y) to 1,519,497 units. The passenger car production was down 8.2% to 1,441,334 units, commercial vehicle was up 5.0% to 78,163 units and engines were up 0.8% to 2,564,695 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "November’s figures are the result of a range of factors, as manufacturers continue to respond to regulatory changes and adapt to model and technology changes as well as market demand. In the longer term, an ambitious Brexit deal with the European Union would make for a more positive outlook as the UK automotive sector depends on the stability provided by free and frictionless access to the European Union, our biggest market."

UK vehicle production figures

		Nov. 2018				Jan.-Nov. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		129,030	7,983	137,013	239,774	1,441,334	78,163	1,519,497	2,564,695
Y-o-Y(%)		-19.6%	26.5%	-17.9%	-14.2%	-8.2%	5.0%	-7.6%	0.8%
Breakdown	Export	105,221	3,861	109,082	146,974	1,172,927	46,580	1,219,507	1,577,470
	Y-o-Y(%)	-22.8%	-9.4%	-22.4%	0.7%	-6.0%	0.8%	-5.8%	13.6%
	% of Total	81.5%	48.4%	79.6%	61.3%	81.4%	59.6%	80.3%	61.5%
	Sales	23,809	4,122	27,931	92,800	268,407	31,583	299,990	987,225
	Y-o-Y(%)	-1.9%	100.9%	6.1%	-30.5%	-16.8%	11.8%	-14.5%	-14.6%
	% of Total	18.5%	51.6%	20.4%	38.7%	18.6%	40.4%	19.7%	38.5%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, October 2018

30 Nov. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 8.1% to 149,440 units in October
On November 29, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for October decreased 8.1% over the previous year to 149,440 units. Passenger car production was down 9.8% to 140,374 units and commercial vehicle production was up 31.0% to 9,066 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was down by 0.1% to 262,981 units.
Vehicle exports decreased 8.8% (y/y) to 120,379 units and domestic sales decreased 4.9% (y/y) to 29,061 units. The percentage of export was 80.6%.
In the first ten months of 2018, total vehicle production decreased 6.5% (y/y) to 1,382,129 units. The passenger car production was down 6.9% to 1,312,304 units, commercial vehicle was up 2.5% to 69,825 units and engines were up 2.6% to 2,324,921 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "The fifth consecutive month of decline for UK car manufacturing is undoubtedly concerning and, while a number of factors have been at play, there is no doubt that business and consumer uncertainty is having a significant impact. With eight in 10 British-built cars destined for overseas markets, the majority to the EU, the sector’s dependence on exports cannot be downplayed. Europe is our largest trading partner and securing the right Brexit agreement which allows free and frictionless trade is vital for the future health of our industry."

UK vehicle production figures

		Oct. 2018				Jan.-Oct. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		140,374	9,066	149,440	262,981	1,312,304	69,825	1,382,129	2,324,921
Y-o-Y(%)		-9.8%	31.0%	-8.1%	-0.1%	-6.9%	2.5%	-6.5%	2.6%
Breakdown	Export	116,128	4,251	120,379	163,787	1,067,701	42,719	1,110,420	1,430,496
	Y-o-Y(%)	-9.3%	7.7%	-8.8%	20.0%	-4.0%	1.8%	-3.7%	15.2%
	% of Total	82.7%	46.9%	80.6%	62.3%	81.4%	61.2%	80.3%	61.5%
	Sales	24,246	4,815	29,061	99,194	244,603	27,106	271,709	894,425
	Y-o-Y(%)	-12.1%	61.9%	-4.9%	-21.7%	-18.0%	3.5%	-16.3%	-12.6%
	% of Total	17.3%	53.1%	19.4%	37.7%	18.6%	38.8%	19.7%	38.5%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, September 2018

26 Oct. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 15.3% to 135,332 units in September
On October 25, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for September decreased 15.3% over the previous year to 135,332 units. Passenger car production was down 16.8% to 127,051 units and commercial vehicle production was up 14.9% to 8,281 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was down by 9.5% to 224,975 units.
Vehicle exports decreased 16.1% (y/y) to 105,503 units and domestic sales decreased 12.5% (y/y) to 29,829 units. The percentage of export was 78.0%.
In the first nine months of 2018, total vehicle production decreased 6.3% (y/y) to 1,232,524 units. The passenger car production was down 6.6% to 1,171,765 units, commercial vehicle was down 0.8% to 60,759 units and engines were up 3.0% to 2,061,940 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "Today’s figures highlight the many competing challenges facing UK Automotive. It has been a turbulent year and the industry needs stability, something which appears elusive given the lack of resolution to Brexit negotiations. The UK government has recognised the importance of a deal that maintains free and frictionless trade with the EU, but it is up to all sides to deliver this to safeguard the hundreds of thousands of jobs depending on the sector. Stability is also needed at home and a stronger UK new car market would go a long way to boosting manufacturing output. The Chancellor’s Budget next week is the perfect opportunity to stimulate the market, sending consumers and businesses the right signals to encourage the purchase of new cars, which would help bolster economic performance as well as delivering environmental goals."

UK vehicle production figures

		Sep. 2018				Jan.-Sep. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		127,051	8,281	135,332	224,975	1,171,765	60,759	1,232,524	2,061,940
Y-o-Y(%)		-16.8%	14.9%	-15.3%	-9.5%	-6.6%	-0.8%	-6.3%	3.0%
Breakdown	Export	101,611	3,892	105,503	138,890	951,448	38,468	989,916	1,266,709
	Y-o-Y(%)	-16.2%	-13.5%	-16.1%	8.9%	-3.3%	1.2%	-3.1%	14.6%
	% of Total	80.0%	47.0%	78.0%	61.7%	81.2%	63.3%	80.3%	61.4%
	Sales	25,440	4,389	29,829	86,085	220,317	22,291	242,608	795,231
	Y-o-Y(%)	-19.0%	62.0%	-12.5%	-28.8%	-18.6%	-4.0%	-17.5%	-11.3%
	% of Total	20.0%	53.0%	22.0%	38.3%	18.8%	36.7%	19.7%	38.6%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, August 2018

28 Sep. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 12.5% to 92,939 units in August
On September 27, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for August decreased 12.5% over the previous year to 92,939 units. Passenger car production was down 12.9% to 89,254 units and commercial vehicle production was down 1.6% to 3,685 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was up by 0.3% to 151,869 units.
Vehicle exports decreased 3.7% (y/y) to 75,084 units and domestic sales decreased 36.8% (y/y) to 17,855 units. The percentage of export was 80.8%.
In the first eight months of 2018, total vehicle production decreased 5.1% (y/y) to 1,097,185 units. The passenger car production was down 5.2% to 1,044,707 units, commercial vehicle was down 2.9% to 52,478 units and engines were up 4.8% to 1,836,965 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "The quieter summer months are often subject to fluctuations due to the variable timing and duration of annual maintenance and re-tooling shutdowns. This instability was exacerbated in August, with the industry racing to recertify entire model ranges to meet tougher testing standards in force on September 1. With exports, the majority to the EU, continuing to drive demand, it underscores the importance of a Brexit agreement to safeguard this trade; for our sector, ‘no deal’ is not an option."

UK vehicle production figures

		Aug. 2018				Jan.-Aug. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		89,254	3,685	92,939	151,869	1,044,707	52,478	1,097,185	1,836,965
Y-o-Y(%)		-12.9%	-1.6%	-12.5%	0.3%	-5.2%	-2.9%	-5.1%	4.8%
Breakdown	Export	72,983	2,101	75,084	97,515	849,820	34,576	884,396	1,127,819
	Y-o-Y(%)	-3.8%	-0.2%	-3.7%	24.9%	-1.5%	3.1%	-1.3%	15.3%
	% of Total	81.8%	57.0%	80.8%	64.2%	81.3%	65.9%	80.6%	61.4%
	Sales	16,271	1,584	17,855	54,354	194,887	17,902	212,789	709,146
	Y-o-Y(%)	-38.8%	-3.4%	-36.8%	-25.9%	-18.6%	-12.7%	-18.1%	-8.5%
	% of Total	18.2%	43.0%	19.2%	35.8%	18.7%	34.1%	19.4%	38.6%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, July 2018

31 Aug. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 9.9% to 128,382 units in July
On August 30, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for July decreased 9.9% over the previous year to 128,382 units. Passenger car production was down 11.0% to 121,051 units and commercial vehicle production was up 12.8% to 7,331 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was up by 1.0% to 194,974 units.
Vehicle exports decreased 3.1% (y/y) to 106,239 units and domestic sales decreased 32.4% (y/y) to 22,143 units. The percentage of export was 82.8%.
In the first seven months of 2018, total vehicle production decreased 4.3% (y/y) to 1,004,246 units. The passenger car production was down 4.4% to 955,453 units, commercial vehicle was down 3.0% to 48,793 units and engines were up 5.2% to 1,685,096 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "While the industry is undoubtedly feeling the effects of recent uncertainty in the domestic market, drawing long term conclusions from monthly snapshots requires a health warning. The bigger picture is complex and month by month fluctuations are inevitable as manufacturers manage product cycles, operational changes and the delicate balance of supply and demand from market to market. To ensure future growth, we need political and economic clarity at home, and the continuation of beneficial trading arrangements with the EU and other key markets."

UK vehicle production figures

		Jul. 2018				Jan.-Jul. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		121,051	7,331	128,382	194,974	955,453	48,793	1,004,246	1,685,096
Y-o-Y(%)		-11.0%	12.8%	-9.9%	1.0%	-4.4%	-3.0%	-4.3%	5.2%
Breakdown	Export	101,637	4,602	106,239	112,085	776,824	32,475	809,299	1,030,304
	Y-o-Y(%)	-4.2%	27.8%	-3.1%	13.0%	-1.2%	3.4%	-1.1%	14.5%
	% of Total	84.0%	62.8%	82.8%	57.5%	81.3%	66.6%	80.6%	61.1%
	Sales	19,414	2,729	22,143	82,889	178,629	16,318	194,947	654,792
	Y-o-Y(%)	-35.0%	-5.8%	-32.4%	-11.6%	-16.0%	-13.5%	-15.8%	-6.7%
	% of Total	16.0%	37.2%	17.2%	42.5%	18.7%	33.4%	19.4%	38.9%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, June 2018

1 Aug. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 5.0% to 136,568 units in June
On July 31, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for June decreased 5.0% over the previous year to 136,568 units. Passenger car production was down 5.5% to 128,799 units and commercial vehicle production was up 6.1% to 7,769 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was down by 3.5% to 228,324 units.
Vehicle exports increased 6.1% (y/y) to 117,865 units and domestic sales decreased 42.6% (y/y) to 18,703 units. The percentage of export was 86.3%.
In the first half of 2018, total vehicle production decreased 3.4% (y/y) to 875,864 units. The passenger car production was down 3.3% to 834,402 units, commercial vehicle was down 5.3% to 41,462 units and engines were up 5.7% to 1,490,122 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "June’s results demonstrate the risks of judging automotive performance one month in isolation, with numerous and varied factors creating a perfect storm for home market output. Looking at the longer-term picture, the sector is performing as expected in the context of market conditions at home and abroad. First half figures are a reminder of the exports-led nature of UK Automotive, the integrated EU supply chain and our mutual dependency on free and frictionless trade. The UK government’s latest Brexit proposals are a step in the right direction to safeguard future growth, jobs and consumer choice - not just in Britain but right across Europe. We now look to negotiators on both sides to recognise the needs of the whole European automotive industry which, combined, employs more than 12 million people. Any disruption risks undermining one of our most valuable shared economic assets."

UK vehicle production figures

		Jun. 2018				Jan.-Jun. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		128,799	7,769	136,568	228,324	834,402	41,462	875,864	1,490,122
Y-o-Y(%)		-5.5%	6.1%	-5.0%	-3.5%	-3.3%	-5.3%	-3.4%	5.7%
Breakdown	Export	113,152	4,713	117,865	138,314	675,187	27,873	703,060	918,219
	Y-o-Y(%)	6.0%	8.1%	6.1%	5.6%	-0.8%	0.2%	-0.7%	14.7%
	% of Total	87.9%	60.7%	86.3%	60.6%	80.9%	67.2%	80.3%	61.6%
	Sales	15,647	3,056	18,703	90,010	159,215	13,589	172,804	571,903
	Y-o-Y(%)	-47.2%	3.1%	-42.6%	-14.9%	-12.9%	-14.9%	-13.1%	-6.1%
	% of Total	12.1%	39.3%	13.7%	39.4%	19.1%	32.8%	19.7%	38.4%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, May 2018

29 Jun. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production increase 1.2% to 144,058 units in May
On June 28, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for May increased 1.2% over the previous year to 144,058 units. Passenger car production was up 1.3% to 137,225 units and commercial vehicle production was down 0.6% to 6,833 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was up by 5.1% to 242,391 units.
Vehicle exports down 1.0% (y/y) to 112,186 units and domestic sales increased 9.8% (y/y) to 31,872 units. The percentage of export was 77.9%.
In the first five months of 2018, total vehicle production decreased 3.2% (y/y) to 738,987 units. The passenger car production was down 2.9% to 705,603 units, commercial vehicle was down 8.4% to 33,384 units and engines were up 7.1% to 1,255,847 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "Following the significant decline in output in May last year as several manufacturers geared up to deliver new models, growth this month was to be expected. For this to continue, we need to ensure UK car plants are able to attract future investment, and this will depend upon maintaining the competitive conditions that have helped drive the industry’s success in recent years. Given our dependency on the EU as our biggest customer and supplier, that means retaining the benefits of the single market and membership of the customs union - the minimum requirement for frictionless trade."

UK vehicle production figures

		May 2018				Jan.-May 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		137,225	6,833	144,058	242,391	705,603	33,384	738,987	1,255,847
Y-o-Y(%)		1.3%	-0.6%	1.2%	5.1%	-2.9%	-8.4%	-3.2%	7.1%
Breakdown	Export	107,307	4,879	112,186	154,177	562,035	23,149	585,184	779,809
	Y-o-Y(%)	-1.5%	11.6%	-1.0%	18.7%	-2.0%	-1.3%	-2.0%	16.4%
	% of Total	78.2%	71.4%	77.9%	63.6%	79.7%	69.3%	79.2%	62.1%
	Sales	29,918	1,954	31,872	88,214	143,568	10,235	153,803	476,038
	Y-o-Y(%)	12.8%	-21.9%	9.8%	-12.4%	-6.3%	-21.3%	-7.5%	-5.4%
	% of Total	21.8%	28.6%	22.1%	36.4%	20.3%	30.7%	20.8%	37.9%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, April 2018

1 Jun. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production increase 5.9% to 135,251 units in April
On May 31, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for April increased 5.9% over the previous year to 135,251 units. Passenger car production was up 5.2% to 127,952 units and commercial vehicle production was up 19.0% to 7,299 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was up by 17.3% to 232,400 units.
Vehicle exports up 5.7% (y/y) to 108,837 units and domestic sales increased 6.7% (y/y) to 26,414 units. The percentage of export was 80.5%.
In the first four months of 2018, total vehicle production decreased 4.2% (y/y) to 594,929 units. The passenger car production was down 3.9% to 568,378 units, commercial vehicle was down 10.2% to 26,551 units and engines were up 7.5% to 1,013,456 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "While April’s growth isn’t altogether surprising given the significant decline in output this time last year, it is good to see earlier planned investment into new models delivering results. However, given such investment was made on the basis of the free and frictionless trade afforded by our EU membership, the ability of UK plants to attract the next wave of new models and drive future growth depends upon maintaining these competitive conditions after Brexit. That’s why it is critical that government acts to safeguard our participation in the EU customs union and single market."

UK vehicle production figures

		Apr. 2018				Jan.-Apr. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		127,952	7,299	135,251	232,400	568,378	26,551	594,929	1,013,456
Y-o-Y(%)		5.2%	19.0%	5.9%	17.3%	-3.9%	-10.2%	-4.2%	7.5%
Breakdown	Export	103,662	5,175	108,837	145,019	454,728	18,270	472,998	625,632
	Y-o-Y(%)	4.7%	28.5%	5.7%	30.5%	-2.2%	-4.3%	-2.2%	15.9%
	% of Total	81.0%	70.9%	80.5%	62.4%	80.0%	68.8%	79.5%	61.7%
	Sales	24,290	2,124	26,414	87,381	113,650	8,281	121,931	387,824
	Y-o-Y(%)	7.3%	0.9%	6.7%	0.4%	-10.3%	-21.1%	-11.1%	-3.6%
	% of Total	19.0%	29.1%	19.5%	37.6%	20.0%	31.2%	20.5%	38.3%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, March 2018

27 Apr. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 13.2% to 154,616 units in March
On April 26, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for March decreased 13.2% over the previous year to 154,616 units. Passenger car production was down 13.3% to 147,471 units and commercial vehicle production was down 10.8% to 7,145 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was down by 3.7% to 260,649 units.
Vehicle exports down 11.6% (y/y) to 119,449 units and domestic sales decreased 18.2% (y/y) to 35,167 units. The percentage of export was 77.3%.
In the first quarter of 2018, total vehicle production decreased 6.8% (y/y) to 459,678 units. The passenger car production was down 6.3% to 440,426 units, commercial vehicle was down 17.9% to 19,252 units and engines were up 5.0% to 781,056 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT 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."

UK vehicle production figures

		Mar. 2018				Jan.-Mar. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		147,471	7,145	154,616	260,649	440,426	19,252	459,678	781,056
Y-o-Y(%)		-13.3%	-10.8%	-13.2%	-3.7%	-6.3%	-17.9%	-6.8%	5.0%
Breakdown	Export	114,675	4,774	119,449	160,517	351,066	13,095	364,161	480,613
	Y-o-Y(%)	-11.9%	-1.6%	-11.6%	4.8%	-4.0%	-13.0%	-4.4%	12.1%
	% of Total	77.8%	66.8%	77.3%	61.6%	79.7%	68.0%	79.2%	61.5%
	Sales	32,796	2,371	35,167	100,132	89,360	6,157	95,517	300,443
	Y-o-Y(%)	-17.7%	-24.9%	-18.2%	-14.8%	-14.1%	-26.6%	-15.0%	-4.5%
	% of Total	22.2%	33.2%	22.7%	38.4%	20.3%	32.0%	20.8%	38.5%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, February 2018

30 Mar. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 5.4% to 151,494 units in February
On March 29, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for February decreased 5.4% over the previous year to 151,494 units. Passenger car production was down 4.4% to 145,475 units and commercial vehicle production was down 24.2% to 6,019 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was up by 7.1% to 254,607 units.
Vehicle exports down 1.5% (y/y) to 121,334 units and domestic sales decreased 18.3% (y/y) to 30,160 units. The percentage of export was 80.1%.
In the first two months of 2018, total vehicle production decreased 3.2% (y/y) to 305,063 units. The passenger car production was down 2.3% to 292,956 units, commercial vehicle was down 21.6% to 12,107 units and engines were up 10.3% to 521,667 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "Another month of double digit decline in production for the UK is of considerable concern, but we hope that the degree of certainty provided by last week’s Brexit transition agreement will help stimulate business and consumer confidence over the coming months.These figures also highlight the scale of our sector’s dependency on exports, so a final deal that keeps our frictionless trade links with our biggest market, the EU, after December 2020 is now a pressing priority."


UK vehicle production figures

		Feb. 2018				Jan.-Feb. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		145,475	6,019	151,494	254,607	292,956	12,107	305,063	521,667
Y-o-Y(%)		-4.4%	-24.2%	-5.4%	7.1%	-2.3%	-21.6%	-3.2%	10.3%
Breakdown	Export	117,139	4,195	121,334	157,880	236,391	8,321	244,712	309,674
	Y-o-Y(%)	-0.8%	-18.5%	-1.5%	16.1%	0.3%	-18.5%	-0.5%	12.3%
	% of Total	80.5%	69.7%	80.1%	62.0%	80.7%	68.7%	80.2%	59.4%
	Sales	28,336	1,824	30,160	96,727	56,565	3,786	60,351	211,993
	Y-o-Y(%)	-17.0%	-34.7%	-18.3%	-5.0%	-11.9%	-27.7%	-13.0%	7.5%
	% of Total	19.5%	30.3%	19.9%	38.0%	19.3%	31.3%	19.8%	40.6%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, January 2018

1 Mar. 2018

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 1.0% to 153,569 units in January
On February 28, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for January decreased 1.0% over the previous year to 153,569 units. Passenger car production was basically flat to 147,481 units and commercial vehicle production was down 18.8% to 6,088 units year over year (y/y). Production of engines was up by 13.6% to 267,060 units.
Vehicle exports up 0.6% (y/y) to 123,378 units and domestic sales decreased 7.0% (y/y) to 30,191 units. The percentage of export was 80.3%.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "While it is good to see global appetite for British-built cars reach record levels in January, this only reinforces the industry’s increasing reliance on overseas demand. Future growth will therefore depend on maintaining our current open trade links not just with Europe but with key international markets. A transitional deal will be an important first step but, in the long term, a seamless relationship between the UK and Europe must be maintained. The EU remains the third largest new car market in the world and, given it is on our doorstep, it is not surprising it accounts for more than half of our global exports."

UK vehicle production figures

		Jan. 2018
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		147,481	6,088	153,569	267,060
Y-o-Y(%)		0.0%	-18.8%	-1.0%	13.6%
Breakdown	Export	119,252	4,126	123,378	151,794
	Y-o-Y(%)	1.5%	-18.5%	0.6%	8.7%
	% of Total	80.9%	67.8%	80.3%	56.8%
	Sales	28,229	1,962	30,191	115,266
	Y-o-Y(%)	-6.0%	-19.7%	-7.0%	20.9%
	% of Total	19.1%	32.2%	19.7%	43.2%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)