Thu, 29 Jan 2026

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 Vehicle production in the UK falls to 73-year low

The industry has "the toughest year in a generation" as vehicle making falls back to 1952 levels.

* British car and van production fell to its lowest level since 1952 in 2025, with 764,715 vehicles built.
* This represents a 15.5% decrease from 2024 and is attributed to various issues including: + Cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover + Closure of Vauxhall's plant in Luton + Uncertainty over US trade policy + Impact of Covid pandemic and supply chain disruption
* Production of commercial vehicles (trucks and buses) fell by 62% to 47,344.
* The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) expects production to improve this year with the introduction of new electric models.
* Car output is expected to rise by 10% this year and could exceed 1 million by 2027.
* However, the industry faces threats including: + "Made in Europe" approach from EU authorities + Tougher European Union 'rules of origin' measures due to come into force in January 2027.
  >>