October’s UK car production saw a 20.3 percent increase of battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles on September, with 24,115 units rolling off factory floors. 

Meanwhile, October’s overall production ammounted to over 69,000 units - a 7.4 percent increase from September, which saw its total output fall following four months of consecutive growth. 

The findings come from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which says its figures illustrate how supply chain turbulence, in particular global chip shortages, is continuing  to affect UK car manufacturers.

The production for home markets saw a 15.2 percent increase, while for overseas there was an increase of 6.3 percent. 

However, the month's performance was still -52.8 percent off the five-year pre-pandemic average for October.

The increase mainly consisted of luxury and specialist models, with more than eight in 10 (81.2 percent) destined for overseas - equivalent to 56,495 cars, while 13,055 were for the domestic market. 

For battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, UK production saw a combined volume of 24,115 units - a 20.3 percent increase. 

In the year to date, UK car factories have produced 61,339 battery electric vehicles - a 12.2 percent increase on the same period in 2021. 

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “A return to growth for UK car production in October is welcome – though output is still down significantly on pre-Covid levels amid turbulent component supply. 

“Getting the sector back on track in 2023 is a priority, given the jobs, exports and economic contribution the automotive industry sustains. 

“UK car makers are doing all they can to ramp up production of the latest electrified vehicles, and help deliver net-zero, but more favourable conditions for investment are needed and needed urgently – especially in affordable and sustainable energy and availability of talent – as part of a supportive framework for automotive manufacturing.”