Passenger car output in the UK slumped 7.5% last month to 118,866 units while export production was off 9.8% to 92,941. Output for local sale rose 1.9% to 25,925, however.
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Year to date, overall output was up 10.6% to 693,123, with exports rising 11.9% to 534,615 and home market units up 6.2% to 158,508.
Commercial vehicles were up 10% for the year to date at 99,980 units with 62,209 (+12.7%) headed for export and 37,771 (+6%) for UK dealerships.
Last month, production for the UK fell 10.3% to 5,754 but this was offset by a 13.4% rise to 11,948 exports, taking the total to 17,702, up 4.4% overall.
May saw a slow down in UK car production, reflecting a cautious approach to demand across western Europe. Year-to-date volumes remain positive,” said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. “The outlook for UK automotive manufacturing remains optimistic with strong demand in many emerging markets.
“Commercial vehicle output continued its upward trend in May, with the main growth in exports.”
