UK car manufacturing falls in August

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Car manufacturing in the UK fell in August as domestic and overseas demand declined, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Data shows 103,232 vehicles left UK factories last month compared to 109,004 in the same month last year – a fall of -5.3%.

Production for the domestic market fell -4.4% from 27,804 units in August 2016 to 26,594 units in August 2017. Meanwhile, output for overseas customers fell -5.6% from 81,200 units in August 2016 to 76,638 units last month.

Year-to-date data shows 1,106,285 vehicles have been produced – down -1.9% on last year.

SMMT chief Mike Hawes said: “It’s common to see fluctuations during the summer months, as output varies according to the timing and duration of holiday factory shutdowns. However, the continuation of the longer term downward trend in domestic demand is a concern for production across the UK so it is vital for the future health of this sector that the current uncertainty around Brexit is removed and consumer and business confidence restored.”