Car production falls as manufacturers move to electric vehicles – London Business News | London Wallet

New figures by the industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) suggests that car production fell by 7.6% in the first six months.

The fall in car production was “expected” as manufacturers are paving the way on their lines to build electric models.

Between January and June car manufacturers produced 416,074 cars which is 34,094 less than the year before in the same period.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said, “The UK auto industry is moving at pace to build the next generation of electric vehicles – a transition that can be a growth engine for the entire British economy.

“The new Government’s commitments to gigafactories, a decarbonised energy supply and a faster planning system will help boost our competitiveness and sustain employment in a sector that delivers well-paid, skilled jobs nationwide.

“Amid fierce global competition, however, industry and Government must work quickly to deliver those commitments, creating an industrial strategy that enables the growth the economy craves.”