Reaction as UK car production returns to growth - but still below pre-COVID levels
The number of cars produced for the UK market was up 12.5% and the number made for overseas was up 6.3%.
UK production of battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) vehicles also rose, with combined volumes up 20.3% to 24,115 units.
UK car production has returned to growth, although it is still well below pre-pandemic levels, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says.
Some 69,524 cars were built in October, up 7.4% on the same month a year ago.
September had seen a fall in numbers, after four consecutive months of growth, illustrating how supply chain problems - particularly global chip shortages - have been affecting UK car manufacturers, the SMMT said.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "A return to growth for UK car production in October is welcome - though output is still down significantly on pre-COVID levels amid turbulent component supply.
"Getting the sector back on track in 2023 is a priority, given the jobs, exports and economic contribution the automotive industry sustains.
"UK car makers are doing all they can to ramp up production of the latest electrified vehicles, and help deliver net zero, but more favourable conditions for investment are needed and needed urgently - especially in affordable and sustainable energy and availability of talent - as part of a supportive framework for automotive manufacturing."
Hugo Griffiths, Consumer Editor at carwow, says: “October’s manufacturing figures are in one sense positive as they show a marked upswing on the previous year but, with year-to-date numbers down by over 10%, they also demonstrate how vulnerable the industry is to supply constraints, and how far we still have to go before we get anywhere near pre-pandemic production levels.
“While the vast majority of cars made in the UK are built for export, national manufacturing trends echo those of the global market. Given this, UK consumers can still expect lengthy waits for some models, something that can be circumvented by taking a flexible approach when new-car shopping: despite production difficulties many models are in in excellent supply, with carwow’s dealers having around 4,000 unregistered new cars ready and waiting for new owners.”