UK – The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says output was down by 32.2% in May compared with the same period last year, with 5,127 units produced. The year-to-date figure, 30,917 units, represents a drop of 22.8%.

Mike Hawes, CEO of the SMMT, said the sector had continued “to feel the effects of last year’s production restructuring”. Production for export was hit by a 43.8% drop (2,190 units), while the domestic market suffered a 19.8% decline (2,937 units).

But Hawes said there was “light at the end of the tunnel” with the impact of the restructuring anticipated to end late summer. “The next few months will also see new models rolling off UK assembly lines, which will help boost production numbers,” he added.

www.smmt.co.uk