UK car production rises for third consecutive month
A total of 58,043 cars were built in the UK in July, 8.6% more than during the same month last year, according to industry figures.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.UK car production has risen for three consecutive months year-on-year, leading to hopes that component shortages are easing.
A total of 58,043 cars were built in the UK in July, 8.6% more than during the same month last year, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The industry body said this is “a sign that component shortages may finally be beginning to ease”.
Other challenges remain, not least energy costs which are increasing at alarming rates
A global lack of parts such as semiconductors has disrupted car manufacturing.
But the SMMT warned that July’s figures must be “set in context”, as production was badly hit during that month in 2021 due to the parts shortage and coronavirus-related staff shortages, leading to many factories altering their summer shutdown timings.
Despite the recent growth in output, levels are still nearly half of pre-pandemic levels.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “A third consecutive month of growth for UK car production is, of course, welcome and gives some hope that the supply chain issues blighting the sector may finally be starting to ease.
“But other challenges remain, not least energy costs which are increasing at alarming rates.
“If we are to attract much needed investment to drive the production of zero emission vehicles, urgent action is needed to mitigate these costs to make the UK more competitive for manufacturing.
“This must be a priority for the next prime minister else we will fall further behind our global rivals, risking jobs and economic growth.”