Nationwide lockdown had “devastating effect” on UK engine production
Published: 29 May 2020 - Rachael Morling
UK engine output declined by 99.5% in April, with just 830 engines produced – down from 178,022. Production for domestic and overseas markets was down -99.9% and -99.4% respectively.
There were, however, a small number being produced at month end ahead of some automotive plants restarting in May.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The nationwide lockdown and closure of vehicle manufacturing plants across Europe and beyond has had an expected but devastating effect on engine production, with output all but wiped out in April. With markets and key factories starting to reopen, it’s crucial to encourage demand for new cars worldwide, which will in turn drive manufacturing and help reboot the UK economy.”