Data shows that demand grew by 5.2% year-on-year, with 127,952 cars built in British factories following a double-digit decline in the same month last year, when Easter bank holiday timing impacted output.
Growth was also buoyed by production ramp up at several plants to deliver a number of key new and updated models, the SMMT says.
Manufacturing for both home and overseas markets grew by 7.3% and 4.7% respectively, with 103,662 cars built for export in the month and 24,290 cars built for the home market.
However, year-to-date output remains down, by 3.9%, with a total of 568,378 cars leaving production lines in the first four months.
Says SMMT chief Mike Hawes: “While April’s growth isn’t altogether surprising given the significant decline in output this time last year, it is good to see earlier planned investment into new models delivering results.
“However, given such investment was made on the basis of the free and frictionless trade afforded by our EU membership, the ability of UK plants to attract the next wave of new models and drive future growth depends upon maintaining these competitive conditions after Brexit. That’s why it is critical that government acts to safeguard our participation in the EU customs union and single market.”
Additional data from the SMMT shows that UK engine manufacturing surpasses the one million mark in April for the first time on record.
Year-to-date figures show that 1,013,456 engines have been made so far, compared to 942,328 in 2017.
Hawes adds: “It is fantastic to see Britain’s engine plants continue to break production records – a result of significant investment into R&D and facilities, and ongoing demand for the advanced low emission internal combustion engines of which the UK is a world leader. Driven by overseas demand, more than 60% of this output is destined for export so securing a deal that keeps trade flowing freely with our biggest partner, the EU, is paramount.”
Image by Alvimann on Morguefile.com
