BBC News Global Car Industry

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The number of cars built in the UK fell 16.5% in November compared with the same time a year ago, according to The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Production for home and overseas markets fell, 26.6% and 14.2% respectively. UK car production has now fallen in 17 of the last 18 months.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "UK car production is export-led, so we look forward to working with the new government to deliver an ambitious trade deal with the EU.

"To ensure our competitiveness at a time of dramatic technological change, that deal needs to be tariff free and avoid barriers to trade, which, for automotive, means that our standards must be aligned.

"This can be achieved if government and industry work in partnership to re-establish the UK as a great place to invest and ensure that automotive keeps delivering for Britain".

VOLVO

Japan's Yomiuri newspaper is reporting that truck maker Isuzu Motors intends to form a link with Sweden's Volvo on electric vehicles and autonomous driving.

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Seán Kemple, director of sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, has been looking at the car registrations data published earlier. It showed a 1.3% fall in sales in November and 2.7% fall year-to-date.

“There’s no doubt it’s been a bumpy year for the motor industry. Sustained confusion around fuel type paired with paralysis from the government around Brexit has led to issues in demand and supply alike," he says.

But, he sees the decrease of 2.7% as "actually pretty impressive".

"There have been so many obstacles to overcome, but the strength of the sector has shone through. Looking forward, it’s more vital than ever that dealers are offering the right advice and stock to buyers, who are hungry for expertise and clarity.

"And for consumers who are keen to opt for greener alternatives in 2020, it’s down to dealers to react to demand on the showroom floors, and the government to commit to its investment pledges."

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There is good news in the new car registration figures from the SMMT.

Demand for battery electric cars surged by 228.8% to 4,652 vehicles.

The markets for plug-in hybrids and hybrids also rose by 34.8% and 15.0% respectively.

Registration of petrol-fuelled cars grew by 2 while diesel dropped by 27.2%.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes, said: "These are challenging times for the UK new car market, with another fall in November reflecting the current climate of uncertainty. It’s good news, however, to see registrations of electrified cars surging again, and 2020 will see manufacturers introduce plenty of new, exciting models to give buyers even more choice.

"Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go for these vehicles to become mainstream and, to grow uptake further, we need fiscal incentives, investment in charging infrastructure and a more confident consumer."