UK car production figures show electric vehicle increase

The shift to electrified car production in the UK continued in January, with combined battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric vehicle volumes up 49.9% to 28,329 units, according to new data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

They represented more than four in every 10 (41.3%) cars made in January, a near record monthly share, most of which (77%) were exported to meet global demand

Overall, UK car production was stable in the first month of 2023, with output down by just 0.3% to 68,575 units.

Production for the UK rose 5.6% to 12,196 units, while exports declined by 1.5%, largely due to the suspension of shipments to Russia, which accounted for 83.6% of the loss.

In total, some 56,379 cars – more than eight in 10 of all those produced – were destined for overseas markets, with over half of these (56.6%) for the EU, with next most important global destinations the US (9.3%), China (8.8%), Japan (4.4%) and Australia (3.3%).

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “Automotive manufacturing can drive long-term growth for the low carbon economy, but the sector needs competitive conditions to attract investment. Recent global developments, however, suggest increasing protectionism which, if not challenged or mitigated, could put the UK at a disadvantage.

“To deliver a wholesale industrial transformation we need a competitive framework and a pitch that promotes advanced vehicle manufacturing internationally.

“We now look to the forthcoming Budget for the necessary measures that will enable the automotive sector to deliver its undoubted potential.”

The latest independent outlook anticipates UK car output rising by 9% to 842,200 cars this year, driven by growth in electrified vehicle production.

By 2025 car and light van production volumes are predicted to surpass one million vehicles.