The UK automotive industry produced 86,052 cars in January, down 27.3pc from the same month last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
SMMT noted that this was not only the 17th consecutive month of decline but also the worst month production-wise for the industry since 2009. The association attributed the reduced production to supply chain issues and COVID-19 related shutdowns, apart from the challenges caused by Brexit.
The SMMT has urged the Chancellor to incentivise the auto sector since many of the showrooms are shutting down and affecting production rates. On the other hand, the output of hybrid and electric vehicles increased by 18.9pc in January from last year to 21,792 units.