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

The most recent figures from the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants present that the entire variety of electrical or hybrid autos 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 complete automotive 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 because of the 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 govt of the SMMT, mentioned: “Automotive manufacturing can drive long-term development for the low-carbon financial system however the sector wants aggressive situations to draw funding.

“Latest international developments, nonetheless, counsel growing protectionism that, if not challenged or mitigated, may 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 required measures that may allow the automotive sector to ship its undoubted potential.”

The most recent unbiased outlook anticipates manufacturing growing by 9 per cent to 842,200 automobiles this yr, pushed by development in electrified autos, the society mentioned.

By 2025 automotive and lightweight van manufacturing is predicted to be multiple million, it added.

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

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