'Semiconductor Shortage Impact' UK Car Production Last Month Hits Lowest October Level in 55 Years

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) is inspecting the Nissan automobile manufacturing plant in Sunderland, northern England, on July 1.
Photo by AFP News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Due to the semiconductor supply shortage, the UK's automobile production last month recorded the lowest level for October in 55 years, according to major foreign media reports on the 26th (local time).

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that UK car production last month amounted to only 64,729 units, a sharp decline of 41.4% compared to the same period last year. For October alone, this was the lowest figure since 1956.

The cumulative production volume up to October this year was 721,505 units. This is 2.9% less than last year, when factories had suspended operations for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SMMT explained that production decreased due to supply chain disruptions such as semiconductor shortages, and also noted the impact of Honda permanently closing its factory in the UK last July.

SMMT added that, following last year, the annual production volume of cars including vans is expected to fall short of one million units again this year, but they are hopeful that production will recover starting next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.