British car production fell sharply in November, falling by almost a third compared to the same month last year and reaching the lowest November production since 1980.
According to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), just 64,216 cars rolled off production lines – 27,711 fewer than in November 2023 – marking the ninth consecutive monthly decline.
Of the vehicles produced, less than a third (19,165) were battery-electric or hybrid vehicles, a segment that itself recorded a 45.5% year-on-year decline. The overall performance harkens back to the era of industrial unrest and Ford dominance in the early 1980s, when the UK’s top sellers were the Escort Mk3, Sierra and Cortina, and production was last this low in November.
These figures come at a time of significant turmoil in the UK automotive sector. Mike Hawes, CEO of the SMMT, acknowledged the scale of the changes: “A decline was to be expected given the extensive transformations underway at many factories, but manufacturers are facing pressure both at home and abroad. Billions of dollars are being poured into new technologies, models and production tools, but the challenges are enormous.”
The data also underlines uneven demand. Production for the domestic market has more than halved in the past month, while export-oriented production has shrunk by 21.3%. This year’s total now stands at about 734,500 cars, down 108,790 from the same point in 2023 and only about half the volume in 2019.
This sobering backdrop is further complicated by policy decisions. Stellantis, the parent company of Vauxhall, recently announced plans to close its van factory in Luton, putting up to 1,100 jobs at risk. Stellantis laid some of the blame on tough new British rules requiring manufacturers to meet annual sales targets for zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) or risk hefty fines.
Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, has acknowledged the industry’s concerns and pledged to review the ZEV mandate. The government’s response, expected in January, is eagerly awaited.
The SMMT believes that immediate and decisive action is now critical. “With the domestic EV market not growing as quickly as expected, the UK government must respond quickly,” the organization said. “Introducing incentives for private consumers, accelerating the rollout of charging infrastructure and accelerating a coherent industrial and trade strategy are all crucial steps. Most urgently, it must publish the consultation on adjustments to the ZEV mandate. Connecting a thriving local market with robust local production is essential for the revival of the sector.”
As manufacturers grapple with a complex mix of evolving technology, changing consumer behavior and policy uncertainty, November’s figures are a reminder of the turbulence reshaping Britain’s once strong car industry.