New figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that UK car manufacturing output decreased by 7% in April, dropping to 61,820 units.
This marked the second consecutive monthly decline, reflecting factory adjustments in preparation for next-generation electrified models.
Domestic output, at 14,021 units, rose by 19.8% but was insufficient to offset a 12.7% decline in production for overseas markets, which fell to 47,799 units.
Nearly 80% of cars produced were exported, with the European Union receiving the majority (55.8%), followed by the US (15.2%), China (5.4%), Turkey (4.2%), and Australia (2.8%). Shipments to the US and Turkey increased, while exports to the EU, China, and Australia saw double-digit declines.
Electrified vehicle production including battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid models accounted for 40.5% of total production, up from 37.7%. Manufacturers produced a combined 25,031 units, a modest 0.1% increase from the previous year, constrained by the transition to new models and technology.
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