The number of cars made in the UK has fallen again, but the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says the situation could worsen regardless of whether there is a Brexit trade deal.
Car production fell by 1.4% in November to 106,243, with more than four out of every five cars built being destined for export.
In the 11 months to November, total UK car production was down by 31% compared with the same period in 2019, representing a loss of 380,809 models at a cost of around £10.5bn to the sector, said the SMMT.
For only the second time since the early 1980s, the industry is expected to produce fewer than a million cars this year.
UK automotive manufacturing down across the board amid calls for Brexit resolution
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UK car output down 1 4% for November, Brexit deal needed - SMMT
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European Markets Close Higher
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European markets closed higher on Wednesday amid rising optimism about a post-Brexit trade agreement.
News about France re-opening its borders with Britain, allowing travelers and truck drivers who test negative for Covid-19, contributed as well to the somewhat positive mood in the markets.
However, concerns about rising coronavirus cases in the continent and worries about economic growth in the wake of tighter restrictions limited markets gains.
The pan European Stoxx 600 climbed 1.08%. The U.K. s FTSE 100 gained 0.66%, Germany s DAX firmed up 1.26% and France s CAC 40 advanced 1.11%, while Switzerland s SMI edged up 0.08%.
Among other markets in Europe, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Turkey ended with sharp to moderate gains.
Updated / Wednesday, 23 Dec 2020
11:15
UK car production so far this year is down 31%, new SMMT figures show
British car production fell only slightly in November but output is down by almost a third so far in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions and the approach of a possible Brexit shock at the end of this month, an industry body said.
Production fell year-on-year by 1.4% last month to 106,243 vehicles.
But the comparison was flattered by a weak November 2019 when some plants were closed due to Brexit concerns, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said.
Year-to-date production so far in 2020 was down 31%. Yet another decline for UK car production is of course concerning, but not nearly as concerning as the New Year nightmare facing the automotive industry if we do not get a Brexit deal that works for the sector, SMMT s chief executive Mike Hawes said.