Data shows that demand fell 13.3% year-on-year, with 147,471 cars rolling off production lines, compared to 170,056 in the same month last year.
The domestic market continued to slow – falling 17.7% year-on-year, while the export market fell by 11.9% year-on-year.
Overall output in the first quarter of 2018 fell 6.3%, with 440,426 cars leaving production lines in total this year.
Says SMMT chief Mike Hawes: “A double digit decline in car manufacturing for both home and overseas markets is of considerable concern. Following recent announcements on jobs cutbacks in the sector, it’s vitally important that the industry and consumers receive greater certainty, both about future policies towards diesel and other low emission technologies, and our post-Brexit trading relationships and customs arrangements.
“Maintaining free and frictionless trade is an absolute priority – it has been fundamental to our past success and is key to our future growth.”
