UK car production slumped to 1950s levels last year as the drive to go green wreaked havoc.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the number of cars made in Britain fell 14 per cent to 779,584.
Apart from 2022, when disruption to global supply chains following the Covid-19 pandemic hit production, this was the lowest number since 1954.
SMMT boss Mike Hawes said the industry was at a ‘low ebb’ amid a switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and push to meet Government quotas.
In a blow to the green transition, production of all-battery powered vehicles and hybrids fell by 20 per cent to 275,896 amid weak demand for EVs from buyers worried about high prices and a lack of charging points.
The crisis in the industry was underlined last year when Vauxhall owner Stellantis announced plans to close its Luton plant, which put 1,100 jobs at risk.
Concerns: Society of Motor Manufacturers boss Mike Hawes (pictured) said the industry was at a ‘low ebb’ amid a switch to electric vehicles and push to meet Government quotas
The SMMT insisted the decline in electric car production will be ‘temporary’ – pointing to £20billion of investment unveiled in 2023 and £3.5billion last year.
Hawes said: ‘UK manufacturers are set on turning billions of pounds of investment into production reality, transforming factories to make EVs.
‘Growing pains are inevitable, so the drop in volumes last year is not surprising. With new, exciting models and battery production on the horizon, the potential for growth is clear.’
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