The shift to electrical automobiles has continued with mixed battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electrical car manufacturing in January rising by virtually 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 whole 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 as a result of 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 govt of the SMMT, mentioned: “Automotive manufacturing can drive long-term progress for the low-carbon financial system however the sector wants aggressive situations to draw funding.
“Latest international developments, nevertheless, recommend rising protectionism that, if not challenged or mitigated, might put the UK at an obstacle.
“To ship a wholesale industrial transformation we want a aggressive framework and a pitch that promotes superior car manufacturing internationally.
“We now look to the forthcoming funds for the required measures that can allow the automotive sector to ship its undoubted potential.”
The most recent impartial outlook anticipates manufacturing rising by 9 per cent to 842,200 automobiles this yr, pushed by progress in electrified autos, the society mentioned.
By 2025 automotive and lightweight 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 conserving the market shifting, however medium to longer-term questions stay unanswered.
“At current the UK is proving a much less engaging proposition for brand spanking new car manufacturing services because of comparatively excessive labour and vitality prices, and entry to uncooked supplies and chemical compounds.”