Business

Number of cars built in UK falls again

The number of cars built in the UK fell for a third consecutive month in August
The number of cars built in the UK fell for a third consecutive month in August The number of cars built in the UK fell for a third consecutive month in August

THE number of cars built in the UK fell for a third consecutive month in August, figures show.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 89,254 cars left production lines, 12.9 per cent fewer than the same month a year ago.

Production for the home market was down by 38 per cent and by 3.8 per cent for exports.

Just over a million cars have been built so far this year, with four out of five for export.

The SMMT said a number of factors had affected production last month, including model changes, planned maintenance shutdowns and preparation for September's new emissions standards.

Production for the UK fell by 38.8 per cent to 16,271 units.

While almost 850,000 cars were shipped abroad in the first eight months, just 194,887 were built for the home market, representing an 18.6 per cent decline on the same period in 2017.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, 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."