The once mighty UK car industry is but a shadow of its former self. It still exists despite being undermined by substandard management, a militant workforce and public apathy.
905,000 passenger cars were made in 2023, the best figure in three years. That's just under half the number of cars sold in the UK, the lowest figure ever. Yet 2024 will be worse still.
Four brands support over 90% of the volume, Nissan, Land Rover, MINI and Toyota. The chart shows production, sales and extrapolates an export figure from that.
When did the rot set in? During the first half of the 1970's, the UK was a net exporter. Back then, BL was still a large manufacturer, supported by Ford, Chrysler (Hillman) and Vauxhall. They have all since departed the scene.
On that basis, it's a surprise an industry still exists. If it disappeared I don't know if anyone would notice...or care. Perhaps Sunderland would notice. The car below is the only one made in Wales and I believe the only one ever made in the Principality.
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