Future Retirement Success
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
  • Stocks
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
  • Stocks

Future Retirement Success

Business

UK car production slumps to lowest November level since 1980

by December 20, 2024
December 20, 2024
UK car production slumps to lowest November level since 1980

UK car manufacturing fell sharply in November, plunging nearly a third compared to the same month last year and reaching its lowest November output since 1980.

According to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), just 64,216 cars rolled off production lines—27,711 fewer than in November 2023—marking the ninth consecutive monthly decline.

Of those produced, fewer than a third (19,165) were battery electric or hybrid vehicles, a segment that itself recorded a 45.5% year-on-year slump. The overall performance harks back to the era of industrial unrest and Ford dominance in the early 1980s, when Britain’s top sellers included the Escort Mk3, Sierra, and Cortina, and production last dipped this low for November.

These figures come at a time of significant upheaval in the UK automotive sector. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, acknowledged the scale of change: “A decline was to be expected given the extensive transformations under way at many plants, but manufacturers are facing pressures both at home and abroad. Billions of pounds are being poured into new technologies, models, and production tooling, but the challenges are formidable.”

The data also underscore uneven demand. Output for the domestic market more than halved last month, while export-oriented production shrank by 21.3%. The year-to-date total now sits at about 734,500 cars, a reduction of 108,790 compared to the same point in 2023 and only about half of 2019 volumes.

This sobering backdrop is further complicated by policy decisions. Stellantis, the parent company of Vauxhall, recently announced plans to close its van-making plant in Luton, putting up to 1,100 jobs at risk. Stellantis pinned part of the blame on stringent new UK rules requiring manufacturers to hit annual zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales targets or face hefty fines.

Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, has acknowledged industry concerns and pledged to review the ZEV mandate. The government’s response, expected in January, is keenly awaited.

The SMMT believes that immediate and decisive action is now critical. “With the domestic EV market not growing as quickly as anticipated, the UK government must respond swiftly,” the organisation said. “Introducing incentives for private consumers, accelerating the rollout of charging infrastructure, and fast-tracking a coherent industrial and trade strategy are all vital steps. Most urgently, it must publish the consultation on adjustments to the ZEV mandate. Connecting a thriving local market with robust local production is essential for the sector’s revival.”

As manufacturers grapple with a complex mix of evolving technology, shifting consumer behaviour, and policy uncertainty, November’s numbers serve as a reminder of the turbulence reshaping the UK’s once-stalwart automotive industry.

Read more:
UK car production slumps to lowest November level since 1980

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
Car finance complaints widened to cover leasing deals, giving lenders more time to respond
next post
AI could revolutionise the UK’s careers advice sector

You may also like

Electric car sales slow amid rising cost of...

October 6, 2022

Brits set to plunge themselves into £3.7bn worth...

November 8, 2023

Inflation eases slightly due to cheaper fuel and...

January 18, 2023

Amazon facing £900m payout to shoppers over online...

October 20, 2022

HSBC UK launches £250m growth fund to empower...

September 13, 2024

The DDoS Double Bluff: When Fake Traffic Masks...

May 5, 2025

The Rise and Fall of Ethical ESG Funds:...

August 4, 2023

Why More Homeowners Are Investing in Their Gardens...

June 24, 2025

Taxpayers left with £421m bill after one in...

July 29, 2022

Lastminute.com founder Martha Lane Fox set to gain...

October 5, 2022

    Get free access to all of the retirement secrets and income strategies from our experts! or Join The Exclusive Subscription Today And Get the Premium Articles Acess for Free

    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Tillis’ retirement announcement draws reactions from Trump critic Jeff Flake, Bernie Sanders: ‘A cult’

      June 29, 2025
    • SCOOP: House Republican eyes bid for Thom Tillis Senate seat after Trump attack

      June 29, 2025
    • Dem delay tactic ends, debate begins on Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

      June 29, 2025
    • GOP, Dem senators remain divided over Medicaid after Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ vote

      June 29, 2025
    • The five liberal courts that tied Trump’s hands before SCOTUS clipped their power

      June 29, 2025
    • Thom Tillis announces retirement from Senate after clash with Trump

      June 29, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (8,334)
    • Investing (2,081)
    • Politics (15,864)
    • Stocks (3,177)
    • About us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: futureretirementsuccess.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 futureretirementsuccess.com | All Rights Reserved