Car production down by 10%

After six months of growth car production dropped by almost 10% in August, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that 45,052 models came off the factory lines.

Summer shutdowns is typically the cause of fewer cars built, however August was affected due to planned maintenance and upgrades as car manufacturers prepare to produce the next generation of electric vehicles.

Overall production has increased by 11.8% to 571,671 units in the year to date and the EU remains the Britain’s largest global market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “After six straight months of growth, a decline in UK car output in what is always the smallest and most variable volume month is not a cause for concern.

“With car manufacturers taking advantage of the summer holiday season to upgrade their plants, this is part of an ongoing commitment to deliver the next generation of electric vehicles, with a record number of these models already being made.”