UK car production motors ahead

UK car production jumped last month, industry data showed on Thursday, as supply chain shortages eased and demand for electric vehicles strengthened.

According to the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders, UK car production rose 13.1% year-on-year to 69,707 units. The trade body said volumes had been "buoyed" by improvement in supply chains, particularly around semiconductors.

Strong demand for electric cars also helped, with the number of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles produced in total rising to 27,392 from 15,905 a year previously.

A total of 56,634 cars were made for export, or for 81.2% of output, up from 50,786 a year previously. Most headed to the European Union, with strong demand from the bloc helping to offset falls in exports to the US and China, down 19.1% and 21.6% respectively.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "February’s growth in UK car production signposts an industry that is on the road to recovery. The fundamentals of the sector are strong.

"The take advantage of global opportunities, however, we must scale up at pace and make the UK the most attractive destination for automotive investment by addressing trading and fiscal costs and delivering low carbon, affordable energy."