British car and van production plummets to lowest levels since 1953
The UK’s car and commercial vehicle manufacturing declined by 11.9% in the first half of 2025, falling to its lowest level since 1953.
This is according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which noted that the industry’s total annual output is expected to fall by 15% to 755,000 units in 2025.
The decline in UK vehicle production is attributed in part to uncertainty over tariffs imposed on UK-manufactured vehicles by the United States, along with restructuring at commercial vehicle production plants, which led to commercial vehicle production falling by almost half in the first six months of 2025.
The SMMT noted that while the current figures look bleak, it hopes to see a reversal in 2026, when it anticipates manufacturing growth of 6.4%.
The organisation said that global economic uncertainty and trade protectionism have taken their toll on automotive production across the globe, and the UK is no exception.
It said these figures are not unexpected but remain very disappointing, but noted that reaching a cemented trade deal between the UK and US, as well as continued growth in electric vehicle manufacturing, would deliver positive signs for recovery.
“The industry is moving to the technologies that will be the future of mobility, our engineering excellence, highly-skilled workforce and global reputation are strengths, and we have an Industrial Strategy with advanced manufacturing and automotive at its core,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
“With rapid delivery and the right conditions, UK Automotive can reverse the current decline and deliver the jobs, economic growth and decarbonisation that Britain needs.”
