UK engine production in the first half of 2020 fell 38.8% year on year to 814,957 units.
Demand from UK and international markets was down 32.4% to 321,050 and 42.3% to 493,907 respectively.
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The decline mirrored the drop in output at vehicle plants primarily as a result of global coronavirus lockdowns.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "With key global markets locked down during the coronavirus crisis and assembly plants shuttered, it is unsurprising that UK engine production declined significantly during the first six months of 2020. What we need now are measures to support this cutting-edge sector's restart and a long-term strategy to provide the competitive market and trade conditions that will accelerate recovery and provide the foundations for future growth."
