UK car production falters

UK car production slowed sharply in April on the back of the Easter holiday and industrial action.

Figures released by motor industry trade association SMMT showed the number of cars manufactured in the UK fell by 18.2% in April to 122,116.

Easter impact

SMMT said the slowdown was due to the later Easter bank holiday weekend and industrial action.  During the month, BMW workers went on strike over pensions.

The trade asssociation, however, claimed the longer-term outlook still looked bright. 

“Overall, British car manufacturing remains in good health with the production outlook still very positive and significant new models due to go into UK production shortly,” added SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes.

Positive year-to-date

While data points to weakness in April, UK car production is still up for the year-to-date period.

The number of cars made reached 593,796. Although this marks just a 1% increase compared with the same period last year, it still represents the highest level of car production since 2000.

SMMT data shows that UK car manufacturing has continued to benefit from a weaker pound with a 3.5% rise in overseas demand offsetting a 7% fall in domestic orders year-to-date.