UK industrial car (CV) manufacturing decreased to 7,940 items in November, in keeping with the newest figures launched at the moment by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT). The decline in output of -7.8%, the weakest November efficiency since 2017, displays the challenges confronted by the broader trade, with the worldwide scarcity of semiconductors – itself a by-product of the pandemic – persevering with to stymie manufacturing.
November’s decline was pushed by a -16.4% fall within the variety of CVs constructed for export, while the home market grew marginally by 4.5%. Throughout 2021, the share of exported CVs has decreased by nearly 5 proportion factors, from 56.4% to 51.5%. On the identical time, home demand has grown – albeit in opposition to weak demand in 2020 – given gradual financial restoration and excessive demand for on-line deliveries.
Yr-to-date, 66,753 items have been constructed, a rise of 12.2% on the pandemic ravaged 2020, due to a rise in output earlier within the yr. Nevertheless, output stays -16.6% down in opposition to the five-year pre-pandemic common.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Government, mentioned, “After the numerous development seen within the sector in October, November’s decline in mild industrial car output is disappointing. The impression of the worldwide scarcity of semiconductors can’t be overstated, and matched with rising uncertainty over the pandemic, the months forward will likely be tough. Nevertheless, the UK’s automotive producers are resilient and can proceed to do all they’ll to maintain manufacturing unit traces operational over the approaching months enabling the newest and cleanest CVs to enter UK roads.”
