UK car production has decreased for the second month in a row as manufacturers prepare for new model rollouts, according to recent figures.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that 61,820 cars were built in April, marking a 7% decline compared to the same month last year.

Despite this overall decline, domestic production saw a rise, with just over 14,000 cars built for the UK market—a nearly 20% increase. However, production for overseas markets dropped by 12.7%, totaling 47,799 units.

The majority of car exports were destined for the EU (55.8%), followed by the US (15.2%), China (5.4%), Turkey (4.2%), and Australia (2.8%). While shipments to the US and Turkey increased, exports to the EU, China, and Australia experienced double-digit declines.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented, "Another month of falling UK car production was expected given the significant transformation underway within factories as manufacturers retool to produce new models. Keeping this progress on track is essential and requires favorable industrial and market conditions. With a general election in a matter of weeks, the next government must ensure the conditions are right not just for the competitiveness of UK manufacturing but for the investment required to transition the sector to a net-zero future." Photo by Lobster1, Wikimedia commons.