While car production levels were down to the lowest output since 2010 there were still some success stories for UK manufacturers, with the big British brands amongst the most popular models to leave factory floors.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders vehicle outputs were down 14.2 per cent in 2019, with just 1.3 million cars produced in total. But the mainstream models were very much in demand and the traditional manufacturers ensuring output didn’t collapse completely.
Land Rover’s Halewood and Solihull plants in Merseyside and the West Midlands, Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, Honda’s Swindon plant in Wiltshire, Toyota’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, BMW’s Mini plant in Oxford and Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the North East accounted for all of the top ten models in 2019. But there are stark warnings at each of these plants which means that 2020 could be a bumpy year for all.
Top Ten Models Produced In UK 2019
1. Nissan Qashqai
2. Mini Hatchback
3. Toyota Corolla
4. Honda Civic
5. Range Rover Sport
6. Range Rover Evoque
7. Vauxhall Astra
8. Range Rover Velar
9. Range Rover
10. Land Rover Discovery Sport
“The fall of UK car manufacturing to its lowest level in almost a decade is of grave concern,” said the SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
“Every country in the world wants a successful automotive sector as it is a driver of trade, productivity and jobs.
“Given the uncertainty the sector has experienced, it is essential we re-establish our global competitiveness and that starts with an ambitious free trade agreement with Europe, one that guarantees all automotive products can be bought and sold without tariffs or additional burdens.
“This will boost manufacturing, avoid costly price rises and maintain choice for UK consumers.
“Negotiations will be challenging but all sides stand to gain and this sector is up for it.”