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The number of cars built in the UK over the past six months has slumped to the lowest since 1954, according to the industry’s trade body.<\/b><\/p>\n
A total of 381,357 cars were made the six months to June, down 42% on the period last year, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).<\/p>\n
The coronavirus lockdown led to widespread closures and job losses.<\/p>\n
But the SMMT warned more jobs were at stake amid fears of a “double whammy” with the addition of Brexit tariffs.<\/p>\n
The trade body estimated that 11,349 jobs were lost in the past six months at carmakers and companies which supply them with parts and services.<\/p>\n
Britain’s major carmakers all suspended production earlier in the year in response to the lockdown, including Jaguar Land Rover, Honda and Nissan.<\/p>\n
Car production fell by 48% in June compared to the same month a year ago, with 56,594 units made, as social distancing measures and weak demand across global markets continued to restrict output.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n