British engine manufacturing fell 23.4% in April as UK car plant Brexit shutdowns affected powertrain demand. Total engine output for the month was 177,925 units. In the first four months of the year, total engine output reached 899,448 units, some 11.2% lower than the same period last year.
SMMT data shows that April engine output for UK OEM customers was down by a sharp 41.1% at 51,465 units. Engine production for export was down by 12.8% to 126,460 units.
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The SMMT notes that exports drive production, with seven in 10 UK-produced engines shipped to overseas factories.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "April's engine figures show the impact of Brexit upheaval across the supply chain. With summer shutdowns at many British car factories brought forward to try to counter the anticipated effects of a 29 March Brexit – a deadline now moved – demand for British-built engines understandably dropped.
"UK Automotive needs stability and, given its dependency on global demand, we need to secure a favourable Brexit deal that maintains free and frictionless trade with our key export markets and restores confidence, fast."
Earlier this week, SMMT data showed that UK car production was almost halved in April as manufacturers brought forward summer plant shutdowns to deal with Brexit uncertanties.
