LONDON — U.K. car production plummeted to a new low last month, marking the worst July performance for the industry since 1956, according to a trade

UK car production plummets to lowest level since 1956 amid chip shortage, worker absences

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2021-08-26 16:00:09

LONDON — U.K. car production plummeted to a new low last month, marking the worst July performance for the industry since 1956, according to a trade group.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said Thursday that U.K. manufacturers built just 53,438 vehicles in July, marking a 37.6% drop on July 2020.

A global semiconductor shortage, factory shutdowns and worker absences amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic all contributed to the decline, SMMT said.

While July was a particularly bad month, car production across U.K. factories is up 18.3% year-to-date compared to 2020, when Covid restrictions meant people couldn't go to work.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said in a statement that the figures "lay bare the extremely tough conditions UK car manufacturers continue to face."

"While the impact of the 'pingdemic' will lessen as self-isolation rules change, the worldwide shortage of semiconductors shows little sign of abating," Hawes said.