The number of cars built in the UK over the past six months has slumped to the lowest since 1954, according to the industry's trade body. A total of 381,357 cars were made the six months to June, down 42 percent over the period last year, stated the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The coronavirus lockdown led to job losses and closures.
However, the SMMT warned more tasks were at stake amid worries of a"double whammy" with the accession of Brexit tariffs. The trade estimated that 11,349 jobs were lost at businesses and carmakers that provide components and solutions to them in the past six months.
Britain's major carmakers suspended generation earlier in the year in response including Honda, Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan. Car production dropped by 48 percent in June compared to the identical month a year ago, as social measures, using 56,594 units made and weak demand over markets continued to limit output. While exports were 45% lower in June, production for car sales in the UK marketplace was down by 63%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "These figures are more grim reading for its industry and its workforce, and show the difficulties all automotive companies face as they attempt to restart while handling sectoral challenges such as no other.
"Recovery is difficult for many companies, but nevertheless is very also unique in facing immense technological shifts, company uncertainty and a basic change to trading conditions while still dealing with coronavirus."
Economy conditions are likely to cut this amount by over half, although UK car output was forecast to strike two million in 2020, Mr Hawes said.