17 May 2023

Car production in the UK has risen 6% in Q1 2023

According to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), UK car production has risen by 6% over the first quarter of 2023, with over 12,000 more cars being made comparatively to 2022.

During Q1, a total of 219,887 new cars were built in the UK with exports representing almost eight in ten cars made, an increase of 6.6%.

The EU took the largest proportion of vehicles manufactured at 63.6% and nearly 40,000 units. The US and China decreased by 4.1% and 8.3% respectively. Car production for the UK saw a 5.1% decline as 20,059 cars were made for the domestic market.

As the ULEZ zone in London expands and the uptake of electric and hybrid cars begins to gain traction within fleets British car makers continue to support this transition with the latest hybrid, plug-in-hybrid, and battery electric vehicles. With combined volumes of these particular models rising a staggering 75% in March to 32,546 units. Nearly half of the vehicles built in the month featured ultra-low emission powertrain technology.

As more and more manufacturers are launching new models and products including electric cars, vans, buses and taxis fleets will have increasing opportunity to transition to electric.

Manufacturers are keen to make more affordable vehicles for the British public to ensure a switch to electric is as easy as possible. Company car benefit schemes like salary sacrifice is another route drivers and businesses can take to future proof their businesses as well as offering fleet benefits.

Read more on the story on Fleet News.