Car production in the UK plummeted by 99.7pc in April 2020 to just 197 units from the prior-year period as COVID-19 forced factories to remain closed, according to SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) release. Premium, sports and luxury car models awaiting final touches were the only ones produced in the month which were already assembled before the announcement of shutdown.
| Car Production | April 2020 | April 2019 | % Change | Year to Date 2020 | Year to Date 2019 | % Change |
| Total | 197 | 70,971 | -99.72% | 319,449 | 441,260 | -27.61% |
| UK | 45 | 13,656 | -99.67% | 64,622 | 92,590 | -30.21% |
| Exports | 152 | 57,315 | -99.73% | 254,827 | 348,670 | -26.91% |
Of the total, 152 cars were manufactured for exports and 45 for British customers. The auto segment was already hit in 2019, with April 2019 production down by 44pc from April 2018 due to the Brexit impact. Manufacturers had shut down in response to the declined demand.
UK Commercial vehicle output fell by 99.3pc to just 15 units produced and near zero revenue. Production focus shifted to manufacturing of face shields, visors and medical gowns, stated the auto body. The government’s support is imminent to rebuild the fundamentally strong sector, says SMMT Chief Executive.
A new study revealed that UK car production for 2020 could fall below 1mn units. Many auto manufacturers have resumed operations, and most of the country’s car and engine plants were set to resume operation by the end of May. Production will ramp up with new timescales and strict social distancing rules.