UK car output fell by 4.6% in November as domestic demand faltered. However, data from the SMMT also showed that output for export markets was slightly up in the month.
Some 161,490 cars were produced in the UK in November, with domestic demand down 28.1%; exports were up 1.3% versus a year ago and accounted for 85% of output in the first eleven months of the year.
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The SMMT said that the domestic decline reflected lower consumer confidence and speculation ‘over negative government policies towards diesel’.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Brexit uncertainty, coupled with confusion over diesel taxation and air quality plans, continues to impact domestic demand for new cars and, with it, production output.
” Whilst it is good to see exports grow in November, this only reinforces how overseas demand remains the driving force for UK car manufacturing. Clarity on the nature of our future overseas trading relationships, including details on transition arrangements with the EU, is vital for future growth and success.”
Avril Webster, head of sales and marketing at AA Cars, said: “Domestic demand for new cars is down for a tenth consecutive month. Such a sizeable drop-off is unprecedented and an indication that a lack of clarity over air quality plans and uncertainty around Brexit is weighing heavily on consumer appetite.
“It’s clear that consumers are crying out for clarity. Anyone who was holding out for such in the Budget will have been sorely disappointed.
“The Chancellor’s plans to increase the first-year VED rate on diesels that don’t meet the standards for next-generation clean diesels puts even more pressure on consumers and manufacturers in a year that has already dented the market.
“This confusion has been exacerbated by rising inflation and increasingly squeezed living costs, meaning consumers are most cautious about splashing out on big ticket items.”
