The UK's commercial vehicle production surpassed pre-pandemic levels for May, despite the myriad of Covid-related issues still plaguing the industry, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Automotive Europe. Credit: Jaguar Land Rover
A Jaguar Land Rover production line. Credit: Jaguar Land Rover
For the second consecutive month, commercial vehicle output saw a significant increase for the same period in 2020, which only saw 820 units produced as plants either operated at significantly reduced capacity or ground to a halt completely. 6,243 commercial units rolled off production lines for May 2021.
A number of major automakers noted significant increases in production during the first quarter.
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In terms of overall statistics, some 54,962 cars rolled off production lines in May 2021 compared to just 5,314 a year ago, when coronavirus halted manufacturing, with overall performance still falling far below the levels encountered two years ago.
In 2021 as a whole, UK factories have churned out 429,826 cars, up 105,063 units from last year, seeing a significant increase in 2020 numbers but still being 22% down on the same five-month period in 2019.
This reflects the industry trying to claw its way out of the coronavirus pandemic while still being hit by supply chain shortages, with the ongoing semiconductor shortage also playing a role in hindering the switch towards electrification.
“May’s figures were always set to be exponentially higher than last year, as factories were forced to operate under limited capacity, or closed entirely," said Mike Hawes, the SMMT's chief. "There was, however, some good news as production during the month surpassed pre-pandemic levels of output."
"For a full recovery, however, we need increased confidence not just in the domestic market but in overseas markets as well. However, numbers still look inflated when compared with last year's standstill," he added.
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When compared with a five-year average, production for 2021 is down 58% for the month and -36.3% for the period January-May.
Despite this, EV and hybrid production is continuing to increase, operating a near 20% share in the market for 2021. Year-to-date numbers place exactly one-fifth of total cars produced running on alternative or greener fuels.
However, the number of purely battery-electric cars produced drops to around 1-in-16 for pure battery-electric cars and 1-in-6 for hybrids, which the SMMT says highlights the scale of the transformation required to meet emissions and climate goals.
Hawes said accelerating electrification will remain key to ensuring a more robust supply chain for UK car production.
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He added: " If the UK is to remain competitive, it must ensure it has a globally attractive policy framework for both vehicle production and the supply chain. The recovery of car production is still facing major challenges here with the supply shortages and the semiconductor crisis.
"We need to drive investment in R&D, charging infrastructure and the market to ensure we can deliver the net-zero future society demands.”
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