A Government spokesperson said: “We recognise the global challenges car manufacturers face, and we are working closely with businesses across the sector to ensure the UK remains a top destination for investment in automotive manufacturing.
The number of vehicles built in the UK last month fell by 17% compared with last January, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Chief executive Mike Hawes said: “UK vehicle producers face a perfect storm of global trade uncertainty, challenging manufacturing conditions and a market transition which is proving tougher than expected.
Factories turned out 71,104 cars and 6,908 commercial vehicles, which the SMMT said reflected weakness in important markets such as the EU, China and the UK itself.
Car and commercial vehicle production was down by 17.7% to 78,012 units in January compared with “bumper” first-month figures for both sectors last year, said the SMMT.
