LONDON, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Britain's vehicle production fell 1.2 percent year on year in April, with exports continuing to drive production, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed Thursday.
A total of 58,513 units of vehicles were produced last month. Production of passenger cars was broadly stable for a second consecutive month, slipping only 0.7 percent to 56,135 units, while output of commercial vehicles such as vans and trucks fell 10.9 percent to 2,378 units, according to the SMMT.
Exports accounted for 76.4 percent of the country's vehicle output in April. The European Union (EU) remained Britain's top global destination by taking more than half of exported vehicles.
April's figures suggest production is stabilizing, albeit at reduced levels, when the ambition remains to grow in the sector, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said.
He noted that British automotive manufacturers still face high costs, notably in energy, and uncertainty in the trading relationship with key markets.
"More serious is the UK sector's carve out from the EU's 'Made in Europe' proposals, which, coupled with tougher rules of origin requirements from next year, risk undermining the industry on both sides," he added, suggesting the forthcoming EU-Britain Summit address these issues and deliver solutions that safeguard mutual competitiveness and growth.
The European Commission proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act in March, a controversial proposal to prioritize "Made in EU" goods in public support and procurement. ■