25th Apr 2025 06:59
(Alliance News) - UK car and commercial vehicle manufacturing production declined in the first quarter, ahead of new US tariff announcements, data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders showed Friday.
Vehicle production was down 6.3% on-year in the first quarter, despite a 17% jump in March, which was due to March 2024 production being "weak" due to an early Easter that year, the SMMT said.
Total vehicle manufacturing in the UK stood at 239,213 in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 255,283 a year ago.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: "A March uplift to manufacturing is overdue good news, although the performance was boosted by a comparatively weaker month last year, when holiday timings and product changeovers combined to reduce output. With the last quarter showing demand for British-built cars rising overseas, navigating the new era of trade uncertainty is now the major challenge.
"Government has rightly recognised automotive manufacturing's critical role in Britain's export economy and must now show urgency and creativity to deliver a deal that supports our competitiveness, spurs domestic demand for the latest cleanest vehicles, and helps factory lines flourish."
By Tom Budszus, Alliance News slot editor
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