UK engine production declines -40.0% in March as coronavirus hits output

• 146,615 engines produced in March as UK production declines -40.0%.¹
• Production for domestic car plants decreases -35.7%, with steeper fall for exports, down -42.4%.
• More than 598,000 engines built in Britain in first three months, with 59.4% exported.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

These figures show the significant impact of coronavirus-led shutdowns on automotive plants across the UK, with the closure of markets worldwide affecting the entire sector. However, attention is now turning to the safe restart of vehicle production, which, providing the end-consumer is ready, will drive engine demand. We need government support and coordination, however, to implement a clear plan for all for so that the industry can get back to delivering for the UK economy again.

Notes to editors

1. Due to coronavirus-related shutdowns, production figures for March incorporate estimates for a very small proportion of plants where final data is not yet available. Estimates calculated using historical data, known production run-rates and shut-down dates in March. Figures will be revised if necessary and published in the April data-set, issued on 29 May.