LONDON, June 27 (Xinhua) -- British car production plunged 15.5 percent in May compared with the same period last year, marking the 12th consecutive month drop, according to data published Thursday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Figures showed that car production in Britain in May was 116,035 units, down 15.5 percent compared with a year earlier, marking the 12th successive month of decline.

According to the data, car manufacturing for both domestic and abroad markets fell by double-digits, a year-on-year decline of 25.9 percent and 12.6 percent respectively.

SMMT said "exports accounted for 80.9 percent of all cars made, reemphasizing the importance of maintaining free and frictionless trade."

In the year to May, British car production plummeted 21.0 percent compared with the same period in 2018.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of SMMT, said "Twelve consecutive months of decline for Britain car manufacturing is a serious concern and underlines yet again the importance of securing a Brexit deal quickly."

Hawes said the sector now faces challenges in technological, environmental and economic aspects, adding that political factors particularly played the crucial role in the industry in Britain.

"The ongoing political instability and uncertainty over our future overseas trade relationships, most notably with Europe, is not helping and, whilst the industry's fundamentals remain strong, a brighter future is only possible if we secure a deal that can help us regain our reputation as an attractive location for automotive investment," said Hawes. "No deal is not an option."