As expected, UK car production more than halved over last year in April as UK plants cut back or temporarily stopped production in order to continue to wind down excess stock.
Car production was 55.3% lower than last April at 68,258 units.
Commercial vehicle production fell by 65.2% in the month.
The launch of UK scrappage incentive scheme and similar schemes in place in other European markets should help shore-up volumes, but recovery may be protracted
“With the scrappage incentive scheme fully operational, industry is optimistic about the positive impact this will have on the market and on UK production facilities,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.
“Despite the current difficulties, the UK must prepare for the return of global growth and government support for the industry is an essential part of the process.”

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By GlobalDataIndustry analysts expect European car production to turn up towards the end of the year.