The shift to electrical automobiles has continued with mixed battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electrical car manufacturing in January rising by nearly 50 per cent in contrast with a yr in the past.

The newest figures from the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants present that the entire variety of electrical or hybrid automobiles produced was 28,329, representing greater than 4 in each ten automobiles made in January, a near-record month-to-month share.

The commerce physique mentioned whole automobile manufacturing was “steady” final month, with output down by 0.3 per cent to 68,575, equal to 215 fewer automobiles. Provide chain shortages had been nonetheless afflicting some producers, it reported.

Manufacturing for the UK elevated by 5.6 per cent whereas exports fell by 1.5 per cent, largely as a result of suspension of shipments to Russia.

Greater than 4 out of 5 automobiles constructed final month had been destined for abroad markets, with greater than half of those for the European Union.

Mike Hawes, chief government of the SMMT, mentioned: “Automotive manufacturing can drive long-term development for the low-carbon economic system however the sector wants aggressive circumstances to draw funding.

“Current world developments, nevertheless, recommend rising protectionism that, if not challenged or mitigated, might put the UK at an obstacle.

“To ship a wholesale industrial transformation we’d like a aggressive framework and a pitch that promotes superior car manufacturing internationally.

“We now look to the forthcoming price range for the mandatory measures that may allow the automotive sector to ship its undoubted potential.”

The newest impartial outlook anticipates manufacturing rising by 9 per cent to 842,200 automobiles this yr, pushed by development in electrified automobiles, the society mentioned.

By 2025 automobile and lightweight van manufacturing is predicted to be a couple of million, it added.

Richard Peberdy, of KPMG, mentioned: “An easing of provide shortages and continued demand for brand new automobiles, regardless of the price of dwelling squeeze, is holding the market transferring, however medium to longer-term questions stay unanswered.

“At current the UK is proving a much less engaging proposition for brand new car manufacturing services as a consequence of comparatively excessive labour and power prices, and entry to uncooked supplies and chemical substances.”