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Electric and hybrid vehicles account for 1 in 5 vehicles produced in the year to date
02 September 2021
UK car production is still down on pre-pandemic levels, with 52.6% fewer vehicles manufactured in May 2021 than in May 2019.
There has been some improvement on last year’s performance, as the UK produced 54,962 in May 2021 compared with 5,314 in May 2020. In total, the UK has produced 429,826 vehicles of all kinds so far this year.
Interestingly, battery electric and hybrid cars made up 19.2% of all UK car production for May 2021 and they also accounted for 1 in 5 vehicles produced in the year to date.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlighted that this is reflective of the global supply shortages challenging the industry – in particular the shortage of semiconductor chips.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said, “May’s figures continue to look inflated when compared to last year’s near total standstill of production lines. The recovery of car production is, however, still massively challenged here and abroad by global supply shortages, particularly semiconductors. If the UK is to remain competitive, therefore, it must ensure it has a globally attractive policy framework for both vehicle production and the supply chain. Accelerating zero emission car production is part of this package, so while 1 in 5 models made here this year is alternatively fuelled, we need to drive investment in R&D, charging infrastructure and the market to ensure we can deliver the net zero future society demands.”
We at Marshall Leasing are working hard to keep our customers informed and track the progress of vehicles on order.
Our Customer Services Director Phil Targett said, “At this unique time, we find ourselves working with manufacturers across the world facing Covid-19 staff absence, a shortage of semiconductors and computer chip supply. The backlog of orders held over from 2020, when in essence the manufacturing industries shut down for three to six months, means customers who typically work on a three-month lead-time now need to think of six to nine months due to stock shortages and diminishing build slots. We remain committed to supporting you with orders already placed and will work with you on new orders within the supply restrictions.”
Our Sales Director, Richard Baird who is also a Director at The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) said, “The Association recently warned that measures may need to be adopted by fleets to cope with the emerging shortage of semiconductors disrupting car and van production. I would urge you to order well ahead of the normal renewal cycle. Specifications, combined with advance ordering is key.”
Contract hire and fleet management
Marshall Leasing is a Bank of Ireland-owned business which offers a commercial and flexible approach to business contract hire, contract purchase, sale and leaseback for cars and LCVs fleets and management of purchased fleets.
If you would like to find out more about our contract hire and fleet management services, please get in touch with us at info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or by calling 01480 414541. Alternatively, please complete our contact form.
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