While the trade group welcomed the uptick, the number of cars produced was still only a little more than half the pre-pandemic level for the month. Any recovery will be gradual because deliveries from suppliers remain erratic, Mike Hawes, SMMT’s chief executive, said in an emailed statement. The group reiterated its call for the government to help soften the blow from an estimated £90 million ($109 million) increase in energy costs that it says are higher than any other country in Europe with automotive manufacturing.

Under the go green go clean initiative, the Mumbai Metro One installed 8,987 solar panels in partnership with a private firm and the energy generated is utilised for lighting, air-conditioning, lifts, escalators, pumps, etc. This has helped reduce carbon emissions by 18,000 tonnes till date, claim the Metro officials.