UK Car Production Sees Sixth Consecutive Month of Growth with 14.6% Increase in February

2024/03/28
Market Data
-
Malaysia
United Kingdom
UK car production in February increased by 14.6% to 79,907 units, marking the sixth consecutive month of growth, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This is the best performance for the month of February since 2021, with nearly all volume manufacturers reporting an uptick in production. The domestic market output saw a significant rise, growing by 58.0% to 20,658 units, an increase of 7,585 from the previous year. Justin Cox, an analyst at GlobalData, noted that despite the lingering effects of the global chip crisis into 2023, the February increase is a positive development for the UK's auto industry. He forecasts the UK car output to be around 800,000 units for the year, a figure significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels but expected to stabilize at around a million units per year in the medium term.
Click original text link for more information
JUST AUTO
Hot News
Mercedes-Benz Partners with Geely on New EV Platform, China R&D Center Leads Global Compact Vehicle Development for First Time
According to 36Kr, Mercedes-Benz is developing a new EV platform codenamed 'Phoenix' using Geely's GEEA 4.0 E/E architecture, scheduled for production around 2030 to replace the current MMA platform for next-generation entry-level models including the A-Class, B-Class, GLA, GLB, and CLA. This marks the first time in the luxury brand's history that new platform development occurs outside Germany, with its China R&D centre serving as the global headquarters for compact vehicle development while the German base focuses on mid-size and large vehicles. The GEEA 4.0 architecture supports both EV and non-EV applications, succeeding the GEEA 3.0 debuted in the Geely Galaxy E5 (Proton eMas 7 twin). The move reflects Mercedes-Benz's cost-reduction strategy through deepened Geely partnership, following similar collaborations announced by Volkswagen and Stellantis with Chinese brands.
Honda to End GM Fuel-Cell JV by Late 2026, Mass-Produce Next-Gen System in 2027
Honda will cease fuel-cell production at its Brownstown, Michigan JV plant with GM by end-2026 and dissolve the 2017-formed FCSM partnership. Leveraging joint achievements such as the 2024 plug-in CR-V e:FCEV, Honda will commercialise its next-generation self-developed fuel-cell system in 2027, positioning hydrogen as a new core business after 30-plus years of R&D.
New Luxeed R7/S7 to Debut on March 23 with New Orange Paint and HUAWEI ADS 4
Luxeed has announced that the updated R7 and S7 models will launch on March 23, featuring a new "Vitality Orange" exterior color. Both vehicles come equipped with HUAWEI ADS 4 intelligent driving system, offering end-to-end navigation assist and valet parking capabilities, along with the debut of intelligent sensing parking technology. The R7 offers both EREV and BEV powertrain options, with the EREV variant utilizing Huawei's Snowy Owl range-extender system and delivering up to 360km CLTC electric range.
4
BYD Seal 06 Wagon Exposed in MIIT Filing: 1.5L PHEV Powertrain, 210km WLTC EV Range with Optional LiDAR
The BYD Seal 06 wagon has appeared in the latest MIIT filing as a mid-size PHEV model measuring 4850/1890/1505mm with a 2790mm wheelbase. The vehicle features a 1.5L plug-in hybrid powertrain paired with a 34.275kWh battery pack, delivering a WLTC-rated pure electric range of 210 kilometers. Design elements include full-width LED taillights and a roof spoiler, while an optional roof-mounted LiDAR enhances advanced driver-assistance capabilities, catering to diverse family mobility needs.
5
New BYD Yuan UP Exposed in MIIT Filing: Rear-Wheel-Drive Platform Upgrade with Optional LiDAR
The latest MIIT filing reveals significant technical upgrades for the new BYD Yuan UP compact electric SUV. While retaining its current exterior design with dimensions of 4335/1830/1675mm and a 2620mm wheelbase, the vehicle transitions to a new rear-wheel-drive platform architecture, evidenced by the relocated charging port from front to rear fender. The model also features an upgraded powertrain motor and offers optional LiDAR for the first time, combined with fender-mounted cameras and millimeter-wave radar to enhance ADAS capabilities.
6
Leapmotor D19 Tri-Motor Version Exposed in MIIT Filing: BEV & EREV Dual Powertrains, Priced at 250,000-300,000 RMB
The Leapmotor D19 tri-motor variants have appeared in MIIT filings, including both BEV and EREV versions. Exterior design remains consistent with the dual-motor model, with the BEV variant featuring a front trunk due to the absence of a range extender—its hood opening extends to the fascia creating a deep storage well—while the EREV retains a conventional front compartment with closed grille. The model is currently available for blind ordering with a 999 RMB deposit, targeting a 250,000-300,000 RMB price range for April 2026 market launch.
Copyright © RUNTO TECH LIMITED. All rights reserved.