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

2024/03/28
Market Data
-
United Kingdom
Malaysia
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
IM LS6 SAIC 100 Million Unit Limited Edition Launched, Priced from RMB 234,900
IM Motors launched the LS6 SAIC 100 Million Unit Limited Edition, priced at RMB 234,900 and RMB 254,900 for the 76 Max and 103 Max variants respectively. Limited to 5,000 units with deliveries starting early June, the special edition adds a 520-line ultra-vision LiDAR, Nvidia Thor chip (700 TOPS), second-row ventilation and massage, and an in-car refrigerator. Current LS6 and L6 models are also available from RMB 189,900 during a limited sales window, with refreshed versions scheduled for Q3 2026.
BMW M3 CS Handschalter Manual Limited Edition Debuts in North America to Mark End of G80 Era
BMW unveiled the first-ever M3 CS Handschalter manual limited edition exclusively for North America, priced at USD 107,100, to commemorate the end of the G80 generation. Powered by the S58 3.0L turbocharged inline-six producing 480 PS and 550 Nm, the rear-wheel-drive model achieves 0-96 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h. It features M4 CSL-derived dampers, bespoke auxiliary springs, a 6 mm lower ride height and retuned axle kinematics. Standard M Compound brakes can be upgraded to M Carbon Ceramic units, paired with forged 927M alloy wheels and 275/35 front, 285/30 rear performance tyres. The Handschalter prioritizes driver engagement over outright pace as a fitting farewell to the G80 M3 era.
Dongfeng and Stellantis Revive Joint Venture to Produce Peugeot and Jeep EVs for Global Export
Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile (DPCA) will pivot to producing new Peugeot and Jeep electrified models for global export from its Wuhan plant starting 2027, following a strategic agreement between Dongfeng and Stellantis. The project, exceeding RMB 8 billion in investment with Stellantis contributing only EUR 130 million, signals Dongfeng's dominant role. Industry observers speculate the vehicles may utilize Dongfeng's existing NEV platforms, reflecting China's growing influence in automotive electrification technology and supply chain dynamics.
4
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Expands CSR Initiative with Two New T-TEP Centers in Tamil Nadu
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) launched two new Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) centers in Tamil Nadu as part of its FY 2025–26 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Located at Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore, and Thanapandiyan Polytechnic College, Madurai, the expansion reinforces TKM's commitment to skill development and community engagement, preparing students for careers in the automotive industry through specialized technical training.
5
Chery Malaysia Opens First 'Generation 4' Boutique Showroom at Pavilion Bukit Jalil
Chery Malaysia opened its first 'Generation 4' boutique showroom at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, operated by Apple Autotech as the brand's seventh boutique retail concept. Located on Level 3 with 837 sq.ft., the showroom operates daily from 10AM to 10PM, integrating vehicle display, sales consultation and test drive booking into a lifestyle-oriented environment. The soon-to-be-launched flagship SUV Tiggo 9 will be showcased from this weekend. This expansion reflects Chery's strategy of embedding the car-buying experience into consumers' daily routines to enhance brand accessibility and engagement.
6
Leapmotor C16 Long-Wheelbase Variant Spied with Extended Third Row
Spy shots of a Leapmotor C16 long-wheelbase variant have surfaced, revealing a significantly extended wheelbase and third row while retaining the front fascia design of the standard C16. Despite heavy camouflage, the A/B/C pillar configuration matches the current model, with the front end expected to adopt the new split-headlamp design from the upcoming C16 facelift. The extended variant aims to enhance the C16's competitiveness in the mid-to-large SUV segment by addressing family buyers' demand for improved third-row comfort and interior space.
Copyright © RUNTO TECH LIMITED. All rights reserved.