Brexit slashes UK car production by almost half in April

Brexit March 29 factory shutdowns in April has meant the UK’s car production has fallen by almost half.

Despite Brexit now being delayed until October 2019, production fell by 44.5 per cent according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Just over 70,000 cars were produced in total - 56,999 fewer than in April 2018.

Mike Hawes, SMMT’s chief executive, said: “Today’s figures are evidence of the vast cost and upheaval Brexit uncertainty has already wrought on UK automotive manufacturing businesses and workers.

“Prolonged instability has done untold damage, with the fear of ‘no deal’ holding back progress, causing investment to stall, jobs to be lost and undermining our global reputation.”

The SMMT also revealed the shutting of factories was part of a raft of costly measures, including stockpiling, training for new customs procedures and rerouting of logistics.

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