The shift to electrical automobiles has continued with mixed battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electrical automobile manufacturing in January rising by nearly 50 per cent in contrast with a yr in the past.
The most recent figures from the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants present that the overall variety of electrical or hybrid autos produced was 28,329, representing greater than 4 in each ten automobiles made in January, a near-record month-to-month share.
The commerce physique mentioned complete automotive manufacturing was “secure” final month, with output down by 0.3 per cent to 68,575, equal to 215 fewer automobiles. Provide chain shortages had been nonetheless afflicting some producers, it reported.
Manufacturing for the UK elevated by 5.6 per cent whereas exports fell by 1.5 per cent, largely because of the suspension of shipments to Russia.
Greater than 4 out of 5 automobiles constructed final month had been destined for abroad markets, with greater than half of those for the European Union.
Mike Hawes, chief government of the SMMT, mentioned: “Automotive manufacturing can drive long-term development for the low-carbon economic system however the sector wants aggressive situations to draw funding.
“Latest international developments, nonetheless, recommend growing protectionism that, if not challenged or mitigated, may put the UK at a drawback.
“To ship a wholesale industrial transformation we’d like a aggressive framework and a pitch that promotes superior automobile manufacturing internationally.
“We now look to the forthcoming price range for the required measures that can allow the automotive sector to ship its undoubted potential.”
The most recent unbiased outlook anticipates manufacturing growing by 9 per cent to 842,200 automobiles this yr, pushed by development in electrified autos, the society mentioned.
By 2025 automotive and light-weight van manufacturing is predicted to be a couple of million, it added.
Richard Peberdy, of KPMG, mentioned: “An easing of provide shortages and continued demand for brand spanking new automobiles, regardless of the price of dwelling squeeze, is protecting the market shifting, however medium to longer-term questions stay unanswered.
“At current the UK is proving a much less enticing proposition for brand spanking new automobile manufacturing amenities resulting from comparatively excessive labour and power prices, and entry to uncooked supplies and chemical substances.”