UK car output slows in July as production pauses for annual summer shutdown

Following its best half-year since 2008, the UK car manufacturing industry experienced a slower July, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Production in the month fell 11.2% against July 2014, as changes to holiday patterns meant the traditional annual shutdown started earlier at some plants.

July’s performance reflects the normal cyclical falls in output during the summer months, when seasonal shutdown programmes occur across the majority of manufacturers, providing an essential period for plant maintenance, upgrades and retooling.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Car production is traditionally subject to a degree of fluctuation during the quieter summer months with some manufacturers pausing production to invest in upgrades and prepare for new model launches, as well as to manage holiday leave. The industry remains in a strong position, with more than 911,000 cars produced so far this year and some significant new model introductions due in the autumn.”

Car manufacturing	Jul-14	Jul-15	% Change	YTD-14	YTD-15	% Change
Total	132,570	117,665	-11.2%	923,884	911,307	-1.4%
Home	29,589	22,500	-24.0%	195,444	211,098	8.0%
Export	102,981	95,165	-7.6%	728,440	700,209	-3.9%
% export	77.7%	80.9%		78.8%	76.8%

Car output – rolling year totals UK vs. home