British engine manufacturing falls -23.4% in April as UK car plant Brexit shutdowns affect demand.
Production for home and international markets down -41.1% and -12.8% respectively.
Exports drive production, with seven in 10 engines shipped to overseas factories.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “April’s engine figures show the impact of Brexit upheaval across the supply chain. With summer shutdowns at many British car factories brought forward to try to counter the anticipated effects of a 29 March Brexit – a deadline now moved – demand for British-built engines understandably dropped. UK Automotive needs stability and, given its dependency on global demand, we need to secure a favourable Brexit deal that maintains free and frictionless trade with our key export markets and restores confidence, fast.â€
