UK car manufacturing output has fallen for the eighth month in a row as firms continue to struggle with the shift to electric vehicles (EVs).

The latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that 77,484 units left factory gates in October – 14,037 fewer than in the same month the previous year.

The body, which represents the UK’s manufacturers, said the sector collectively announced £20bn of investment last year to drive their transition to EV production. But weak markets for new cars in the UK and EU are continuing to take their toll, with total output for 2024 expected to be around a third down from pre-pandemic levels.

“If planned UK zero emission model launches stay on track and consumer demand improves, there is potential to get above one million units in 2028,” the SMMT said. “If not, output would remain below one million units until 2030, and in a worst-case scenario drop to fewer than 750,000 should plants close and others have reduced...