UK engine production declines -22.7% in March

Posted by Auto Digest on May 3, 2022

EDITORIAL USE ONLY Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT (The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) at its first ever debate on the contribution of commercial vehicles to improving air quality in central London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday February 11, 2015. Mike Hawes, CEO SMMT says diesel is not a dirty word and calls on government and local councils to support the uptake of latest Euro 6 vehicles. Real world tests show latest EU standard low emission diesels 95% cleaner than older vehicles. Photo credit should read: Geoff Caddick/PA Wire

UK engine production declines -22.7% in March

March engine output declines -22.7%, to 152,250 units.

Production for UK and overseas markets falls -27.2% and -19.0% respectively in the month.

411,273 engines built in first quarter, down -23.2% on Q1 2021.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “While the automotive industry is resilient, the global shortage of semiconductors has affected both vehicle and engine production. The competitiveness of the industry is also being challenged by the rising costs of energy and other inflationary pressures here and abroad. For the industry to recover, it urgently needs government action, including measures to reduce business costs, which will help ensure the UK remains at the forefront of automotive manufacturing and protect the jobs and livelihoods of its skilled workers.”