The shift to electrical vehicles 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 newest figures from the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants present that the whole variety of electrical or hybrid autos produced was 28,329, representing greater than 4 in each ten vehicles 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 vehicles. 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 vehicles 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 progress for the low-carbon economic system however the sector wants aggressive situations to draw funding.
“Current world developments, nevertheless, counsel rising protectionism that, if not challenged or mitigated, may put the UK at an obstacle.
“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 funds for the required measures that may allow the automotive sector to ship its undoubted potential.”
The newest unbiased outlook anticipates manufacturing rising by 9 per cent to 842,200 vehicles 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 new vehicles, regardless of the price of residing squeeze, is holding the market shifting, however medium to longer-term questions stay unanswered.
“At current the UK is proving a much less engaging proposition for brand new automobile manufacturing amenities as a result of comparatively excessive labour and vitality prices, and entry to uncooked supplies and chemical compounds.”