UK automakers cut investments amid high energy costs

UK automakers have seen energy costs jump by about £100 million ($109 million) this year, or 50 percent, fueling concerns among a majority of manufacturers over the future of their operations, a survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders found.

The higher energy bills have led nine in 10 automakers to pass on rising costs to customers, while many have delayed or canceled major investments.

UK auto output rose for a fourth consecutive month in August, though production remained 46 percent below pre-pandemic levels, the SMMT said Thursday.

“While another month of rising UK car production is good news, and testament to sectoral efforts to overcome supply chain shortages, it overshadows what is an extremely tough and uncertain environment,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT’s CEO.

“Volumes are down dramatically and firms are having to take drastic steps to safeguard their businesses in the face of myriad challenges.”

Almost a third of the cars built in Britain in August were either full-electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid, as the shift toward EVs gathers pace. The production of full-electric vehicles more than doubled and now accounts for almost one in 10 cars produced, according to the figures.

Half of car manufacturers surveyed were worried about their ability to recruit staff at a time when the move toward zero-emission vehicles demands greater investment in the skills and technologies needed for the transition.

The UK auto industry has been struggling for years, battered by crises ranging from Brexit to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The global chip shortage that stymied production in the past two years is easing, but faster inflation and cooling economic growth present fresh hurdles.