UK car production down, but electric vehicle output surges

Production fell -9.8% as global chip shortages and structural changes depress output

The number of new cars built in the UK sank to its lowest level for 66 years. The UK automotive sector recorded its worst performance since 1956, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Volumes for UK rise 9.4% but fail to offset declining exports, down -14.0%. UK car production is heavily weighted export, with some eight in 10 cars shipped overseas.

However, record levels of electrified vehicles rolled off the assembly lines, with almost a third of all cars made...