UK car manufacturing declines to 10-year low amid Brexit woe

British car manufacturers have witnessed have seen output fall to a 10-year low in November, with the number of cars being built down by around 20% signalling that the industry has started to contract ahead of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

In fact, car makers in the UK have built just 129,030 vehicles in November, representing a 19.6% fall – the largest drop in production the sector has seen since November 2008, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

British car exports down

The industry body noted that while domestic car production had fallen by 1.9% to 23,809 vehicles, exports had plummeted by a 22.8% to 105,221.

The SMMT blamed decline in production on low consumer and business confidence in the UK driven by Brexit uncertainty, while international demand for British exports fell in Europe and Asia amid a global economic cooldown.

‘It’s very concerning to see demand for UK-built cars decline in November, with output seriously impacted by falling business and consumer confidence in the UK allied to weakening export markets,’ SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said.

Brexit woes weigh heavy on British car makers

The UK car manufacturing industry is struggling in the face of Brexit uncertainty, with the sector heavily reliant on frictionless trade with Europe.

‘With fewer than 100 days until the UK leaves the European Union, the automotive industry needs certainty and a ‘no-deal’ Brexit must be ruled out,’ Hawes added. ‘Thousands of jobs in British car factories and supply chains depend on free and frictionless trade with the EU.’

‘If the country falls off a cliff edge next March the consequences would be devastating.’