UK engine manufacturing declines in January amid Brexit turmoil

28th Feb 2019, 14:09 • In News

British engine manufacturing decreased 9.5% in January 2019, with 241,727 units built. This comes amid uncertainty in the automotive industry due to the prospect of a no-deal Brexit and growing demand in the sector for electric vehicles.

There was a double-digit drop in domestic demand for engine manufacturing as factories manage production ahead of key vehicle model changes. Six in 10 engines were also exported, highlighting the importance of frictionless trade with overseas markets.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “January’s figures only serve to underline the importance of our international trading relationships and frictionless access to overseas markets. With fewer than 30 days to go until the proposed Article 50 deadline, the future of this trade hangs in the balance. It’s more crucial than ever for the future prospects of UK Automotive that a ‘no deal’ Brexit is taken off the table immediately and permanently.”