Car output slumps as Brexit contingencies tighten

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 70,971 cars were produced in April, down -44.5 per cent year-on-year as factory shutdowns, rescheduled to mitigate a March 29^th Brexit, took effect.

According to SMMT, manufacturing for domestic and overseas markets fell -43.7 per cent and -44.7 per cent respectively as most volume manufacturers brought forward production stoppages usually scheduled for the summer holiday period.

Rescheduled shutdowns have formed part of ongoing contingencies - including stockpiling, training for new customs procedures and rerouting of logistics – designed to protect businesses when Britain leaves the customs union and single market.

Slowing demand in international markets - including the EU, China and the US - as well as at home have exacerbated April’s figures, which represent the 11th straight month of decline.

“Prolonged instability has done untold damage, with the fear of ‘no deal’ holding back progress, causing investment to stall, jobs to be lost and undermining our global reputation,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “This is why ‘no deal’ must be taken off the table immediately and permanently, so industry can get back to the business of delivering for the economy and keeping the UK at the forefront of the global technology race.”