UK automobile production fell 29%, falling to its lowest level since 1984.
Last year, the British automaker produced a total of 921,000 cars. This is the first time that production has fallen below one million since the depth of the 2009 financial crisis.
The numbers mean that the industry lost around £10.5 billion compared to previous years.
Mike Haws, CEO of the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), called 2020 a “terrifying year” and also said it was “the worst of a generation” in car production.
“These numbers, the worst of generations, reflect the devastating impact of the pandemic. However, the industry is facing optimism in 2021, but it is clear how the vaccine will be rolled out and how it will be traded with Europe. He said.
“The immediate challenge is to adapt to new conditions, overcome additional customs burdens and regain global competitiveness while providing zero emissions transport.”
Nissan has surpassed the Jaguar Land Rover as the largest manufacturer in the UK. Nissan produced 246,000 vehicles, while Nissan had 244,000 vehicles. This was a 37% decrease the previous year.
The UK’s biggest export destination is the EU, with 53.5% being sent to the EU. The number of vehicles exported to the EU, where 400,460 vehicles fell sharply in 2020 from 30.8%.
Last year, exports to the US, Japan and Australia fell 33.7%, 21.6% and 21.8%, respectively. However, exports to China, South Korea and Taiwan increased by 2.3%, 3.6% and 16.7% respectively.
