The production for 2019 was 61,353 fewer than in 2020, which was affected by coronavirus lockdowns, and 34.0% below pre-pandemic 2019.
In spite of this, British car factories produced more than one-quarter of a million (224,011) zero and ultra-low emission vehicles, representing more than one-in-four (26.1%) of all cars.
Furthermore, the auto industry faced staff shortages due to the need to self-isolate, depressed demand caused by car showrooms being closed for months as a result of lockdowns, as well as Honda’s closure in Swindon, which contributed around a quarter of the decline total.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “2021 was another incredibly difficult year for UK car manufacturing, one of the worst since the Second World War which lays bare the exposure of the sector to structural and, especially, Covid-related impacts.
“Despite this miserable year, there is optimism. With Brexit uncertainty largely overcome with the TCA deal, investments have been unleashed, most of which will help transform the sector to its zero-emission future.
“This is a vote of global confidence in the UK but must be matched by a commitment to our long-term competitiveness; support for the supply chain in overcoming parts shortages, help with skills and training and, most urgently, measures to mitigate the escalating energy costs which are threatening viability.”
As the UK industry – like the market – transforms into a low-carbon, eventually zero-carbon industry, BEV production grew 72.0%, while hybrid production increased 16.4%.
Despite the loss of production in Swindon, the latest independent production outlook for 2022 points to a rise in UK car production of more than one million units.
In favourable circumstances, including the end of the global chip shortage, the arrival of new models and the avoidance of new trade barriers, car production could reach 1.1 million by 2025, with further growth beyond.
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