Supply Chain Woes Drive Car and Van Production to 72-Year Low in April

New car and van production in April sank to its lowest point since 1952, says the SMMT. Factories made just 59,203 vehicles, barely more than the 53,517 built 72 years ago, except for 2020 when Covid slashed output to 197.

Cars, which make up most of the UK’s vehicle production, fell 8.6% from last April, hitting 56,534 units. Exports got hammered, dropping 10.1% to 42,972, while the home market only slipped 3.3% to 13,562. Easter’s late timing this year cut working days, and foreign demand weakened, causing the slump, per the SMMT.

Shipments to the EU tanked 19.1%, though it still took over half of all exports. The US, grabbing 16.5% of the total, saw a smaller 2.7% dip. This mess marks the worst start to a year for UK vehicle production since 2009, when the global financial crisis rocked the industry.

Mike Hawes, SMMT boss, stressed, “We need fast action to spark local demand and compete globally.” He pushed for more investment to cash in on new trade deals with the US and India.

The data paints a grim picture for British factories. Fewer cars rolling out means jobs and growth take a hit. Turning things around won’t be easy, but trade opportunities could help if the industry acts quick.

With all these issues, the used car market stays strong with plenty of vehicles available to grab without breaking the bank.

Source and Image: AutoCar