UK factories produced 129,114 engines in October, down 34.6%, year on year.

Production for both domestic and export markets fell 35.4% (to 50,992) and 34.1%  (to 78,122) respectively.

Year to date engine manufacturing was down 6.9% to 1,407,231 units compared to a weak 2020 and 35.4% below the five-year average.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “With engine output declining for the fifth consecutive month, this worrying trend shows no sign of easing. The worldwide shortage of semiconductors, a crucial component in both engines and finished vehicles, continues to wreak havoc on production.”