UK car and commercial vehicle production fell -32.8% YoY in May to 49,810 units, marking the lowest May output since 1949 (excluding 2020), as tariffs, restructuring, and plant closures weighed on output.

• Car production declined -31.5% YoY to 47,723 units, with exports down -27.8% and domestic output plunging -42.1%; US-bound exports dropped -55.4% amid new tariffs.
• Commercial vehicle output fell -53.6% YoY to 2,087 units due to plant closures; export share of CV production dropped from 67.9% to 41.4%.
• Exports to the EU, China, and Turkey fell -22.5%, -11.5%, and -51.0% YoY, respectively.
• Year-to-date vehicle production is down -12.9% YoY to 348,226 units, the lowest since 1953.
• Industry leaders emphasized the need for rapid implementation of the UK’s new Industrial Strategy to boost competitiveness, manage energy costs, and expand trade access.

Total Vehicle Manufacturing

Car Manufacturing

Commercial Vehicle Manufacturing