UK car manufacturing was down 11.9% in first half amid international commerce disruption and financial uncertainty.
UK new car manufacturing declined by 11.9% to 417,232 models within the first six months of the 12 months, in line with figures revealed at this time by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT).
Nevertheless, the decline was softened by a 6.6% enhance in automobile manufacturing in June, though this was compared with final 12 months when mannequin changeovers and provide chain points depleted output.
Consequently, year-to-date automobile output declined by 7.3% as 385,810 automobiles rolled off manufacturing facility strains. Restructuring at industrial car manufacturing crops, in the meantime (Luton Stellantis/Vauxhall closure), resulted in a first-half quantity fall of 45.4% to 31,422 models.
Whereas total output fell, electrified automobile manufacturing rose by 1.8% to 160,107 models – delivering a file share of output for the primary half of the 12 months, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electrical autos accounting for greater than two in 5 (41.5%) models produced within the UK in 2025.
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UK automobile manufacturing stays export-focused, with some 76.9% of output headed abroad year-to-date and higher certainty now returning to key markets. The EU stays the principle vacation spot for UK automobile exports (54.4% share), adopted by the US (15.9%) China (7.5%), Turkey (4.1%) and Japan (2.7%), with these 5 locations alone accounting for greater than eight in 10 abroad gross sales. Regardless of three straight months of declining export volumes culminating in an -18.7% drop in June, the US maintained its place because the UK’s greatest single export market underscoring the significance of the UK-US commerce deal.
The SMMT mentioned that deal, which got here into drive on 30 June, offers the UK decreased tariff charges into the US automotive market, which may grow to be a foundation for future progress.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Government, mentioned: “International financial uncertainty and commerce protectionism have taken their toll on automotive manufacturing throughout the globe, with the UK no exception.
“The figures should not, subsequently, surprising however stay very disappointing. Nevertheless, there are foundations for a return to progress. The trade is transferring to the applied sciences that would be the way forward for mobility, our engineering excellence, highly-skilled workforce and international popularity are strengths, and we have now an Industrial Technique with superior manufacturing and automotive at its core.
“With speedy supply and the suitable circumstances, UK Automotive can reverse the present decline and ship the roles, financial progress and decarbonisation that Britain wants.”