UK car output plunges on semiconductor shortage

London

UK car production plummeted in July to levels last seen 65 years ago as shortages of semiconductors and staff continued to wreak havoc on the auto industry. Carmakers made only 53,438 vehicles, down 38 per cent from a year ago and the lowest for the month of July since 1956, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said on Thursday. Similar issues plagued auto manufacturers in June, when they had their second-worst showing for that month since 1953.

In addition to the chip shortage that has idled assembly lines around the globe, UK carmakers struggled with a wave of workers being "pinged" by the National Health Service's Covid-19 contact-tracing app.