(Sharecast News) - UK vehicle production hit its lowest monthly output in more than 70 years, according to figures released on Thursday.
Car and commercial vehicle production dropped 15.8% to 59,203 in April, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said, the lowest figure since 1952 and excluding 2020 most manufacturing was paused during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The fall was driven by the later Easter, more model changeovers, and lower demand in key export markets, the SMMT said in a statement.

New car shipments to the EU and US, fell 19.1% and 2.7% respectively. Exports to China and Turkey were up by 44.0% and 31.2%.

"With automotive manufacturing experiencing its toughest start to the year since 2009, urgent action is needed to boost domestic demand and our international competitiveness," said SMMT boss Mike Hawes.

"Government has recognised automotive manufacturing's critical role in driving the UK economy, having successfully negotiated improved trading conditions for the sector with the US, EU and India in the space of a month."

"To take advantage of these trading opportunities we must secure additional investment which will depend on the competitiveness and confidence that can be provided by a comprehensive and innovative long-term industrial strategy. Get this right and the jobs, economic growth and decarbonisation will flow across the UK."

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com

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