The British Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders announced that in April 2011, the UK’s car production fell by 12.2% year-on-year, to 86,300.

The British Automobile Production and Sales Association stated that the decline in UK vehicle production in April was mainly due to the interruption of the supply of some components due to the devastating earthquake in Japan. Paul Everitt, chief executive of the British Automobile Production and Sales Association, said: "The decline in UK vehicle production in April indicates that the earthquake in Japan has caused a certain degree of impact on the global automotive industry."

Everitt added: "Every UK car manufacturer is trying to solve the problem of spare parts shortage. The trend of declining car production will soon be reversed. We are still optimistic about the future prospects of the British car industry."

According to statistics, from January to April 2011, the British market produced a total of 443,500 cars, an increase of 7% year-on-year.