UK car production fell sharply year-on-year in October according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) monitored by Kallanish. The much lower-volume commercial vehicle (CV) output meanwhile continued to recover.

British car manufacturing declined -16.8% y-o-y in September, with 127,051 units produced. Production for both the UK and overseas markets fell by -19.0% and -16.2% respectively as “… supply issues continue,” SMMT says.

Year-to-date total output was also down by -6.6% to 1,171,765 units. Home market demand continues to be well down on 2017, compensated slightly by the fact that eight out of every ten cars are destined for export for which the fall in output has been less severe.

UK car production September 2018 (units)
  Sep-17 Sep-18 % change Y-t-d 17 Y-t-d 18 % change
Total 152,661 127,051 -16.8% 1,254,352 1,171,352   -6.6%
Home   31,392   25,440 -19.0%    270,685    220,317 -18.6%
Export 121,269 101,611 -16.2%    983,667    951,448   -3.3%
% export 79.4% 80.0%   78.4% 81.2%  

Source: SMMT

UK CV production increased by 14.9% in September, with output reaching 8,281 units. Home demand drove growth, which was up 62.0%, while exports declined by -13.5%.

Production remains stable y-t-d, with 60,759 vans, trucks and buses produced so far this year.

UK commercial vehicle (CV) production September 2018
  Sep-17 Sep-18 % change Y-t-d 17 Y-t-d 18 % change
Total 7,208 8,281   14.9% 61,233 60,759 -0.8%
Home 2,710 4,389   62.0% 29,211 22,291 -4.0%
Export 4,498 3,892 -13.5% 38,022 38,468  1.2%
% export 62.4% 47.0%   62.1% 63.3%  

Source: SMMT