UK Car Production Plummets in January 2021, but EV Output Surges
January 2021 witnessed a notable decline in UK car production, with just 86,052 vehicles manufactured. This was the lowest output since 2009 and a significant drop from the previous year. The total production figure showed an 18.3% decrease compared to January 2020, with both domestic and export markets experiencing a downturn. New car exports fell by 29.1% in January 2021, impacting regions like the EU, US, and Asia.
Despite the overall downturn, production of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrids increased by 18.9%. These vehicles now make up over a quarter of total car production. Major manufacturers such as Stellantis, General Motors, and Toyota contributed to this growth.
The UK car industry faced challenges in January 2021, with production numbers at their lowest since 2009. However, the rise in production of low-emission vehicles offers a promising outlook for the future. Key players like Stellantis, General Motors, and Toyota are driving this shift towards more sustainable motoring.
