UK car production declined in March, down 13.3% year on year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The British factories built 147,471 cars were built as exports also declined, down 11.9% due, the SMMT said, “to fluctuations in demand in some global markets”.
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Some manufacturers had also had output slowed been affected by poor March weather [much more snow than usual slowing logistics – ed].
Output in the first quarter of 2018 fell 6.3% with 440,426 cars built year to date. Almost 80% of these were exported though volume fell 4% in Q1 compared with a 14.1% decline in manufacturing for the domestic market.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “A double digit decline in car manufacturing for both home and overseas markets is of considerable concern.
“Following recent announcements on jobs cutbacks in the sector, it’s vitally important that the industry and consumers receive greater certainty about future policies towards diesel and other low emission technologies.”
