According to data released by the British Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), British car production in March rose by 6.1% year-on-year, marking the second consecutive month of increase as the global shortage of semiconductors and other components eased.
The SMMT reported that British car production in March totaled 81,605 units, bringing the first quarter’s 2023 output to 219,887 units, approximately 6% higher than the same period last year. The rise in British car production was driven by a 10.4% increase in exports, which accounted for nearly eight out of every 10 cars produced in March.
However, the domestic market experienced a 5.1% drop in car production, which was offset by the strength of auto exports. The trend of producing Hybrid Vehicles (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) also continued to increase, with production for such vehicles rising by 75% in March to 32,546 units.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, welcomed the increase in car production, stating that it was good news for the sector, which has been struggling to meet demand due to the global shortage of semiconductors and other components. He also said that the UK’s automotive sector continues to invest in new technologies and products, including electric vehicles, and that the industry is well-positioned for the transition to a net-zero economy.