Car and CV production enjoys healthy growth

UK car production rose for the sixth month in a row in February, up 14.6% to 79,907 units.

This made it the best performing February since 2021, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Production for the domestic market was up 58% to 20,658 units and production for export rose 4.6% to 59,249, while production of electrified vehicles (29,038 units) accounted for 36.3% of all output.

Year-to-date production is up 17.8% to 162,904 units, making it the best start to the year for three years.

Meanwhile, UK commercial vehicle production almost doubled during the month to 12,927 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Another month of growth for UK car production is welcome news, reflecting strong demand at home and around the world for the latest British-built cars. The industry is transitioning from internal combustion engine cars to electrified vehicles, building on the massive investment commitments made last year. The UK industry faces stiff competition, however, as global competitors seek to secure new models and technologies so a commitment to our industrial competitiveness, from all political parties in this likely election year, must be maintained.”