UK Vehicle production rises 17.1% YoY compared with weak March last year, but total Q1 output down -6.3% ahead of new US tariff announcements.

• Domestic production increased 4.7% YoY but was down -16.3% YoY in Q1 2025. In March, Domestic car production was down -6.1% YoY, but domestic commercial vehicle production was up 77.9% YoY.
• Export production increased 23.4% YoY but was down -2.5% YoY in Q1 2025. In March, Domestic car production surged 30.6% YoY due to tariff anticipation, but domestic commercial vehicle production crashed -31.8% YoY.
• Car output rises for first time in a year, reflecting model changes in 2024, with commercial vehicle output also up as demand stabilises following two years of post-pandemic volatility.
• Exports drive growth in car production, while commercial vehicle output rises through domestic demand.