Driven by US export growth, UK car production rebounds in May for the first time

Golden Ten Data reported on June 25 that the UK Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) stated that, due to an increase in exports to the United States, UK car production grew by 2.7% year-on-year in May, ending a previous four-month decline. However, the industry body warned that high energy costs, trade risks, and weak demand for electric vehicles continue to threaten the sector’s competitiveness. SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said: “Manufacturers are investing billions of pounds in zero-emission technologies, but weak underlying demand and rising compliance costs are putting competitiveness, jobs, and future investment at risk.” Data shows that in May, total UK car production rose to 51,178 units, with passenger car output up 3.2% year-on-year to 49,249 units, while commercial vehicle production fell 7.6% year-on-year to 1,929 units. Car exports to the United States surged by 83.1% last month, but exports to the EU and China declined by 5.2% and 14.3%, respectively. In the first five months of this year, total UK car production fell by 8.7% year-on-year to 317,779 units.