The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says that UK engine production declined 40% in March due to COVID-19 impacting output.
Some 146,615 engines were produced in March, while more than 598,000 engines were built in the UK in first three months, with 59.4% exported.
Production for domestic car plants decreased 35.7%, with exports down 42.4%.
‘These figures show the significant impact of coronavirus-led shutdowns on automotive plants across the UK, with the closure of markets worldwide affecting the entire sector,’ said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. ‘However, attention is now turning to the safe restart of vehicle production, which, providing the end-consumer is ready, will drive engine demand. We need government support and coordination, however, to implement a clear plan for all for so that the industry can get back to delivering for the UK economy again.’
This story uses material from the SMMT, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
