UK vehicle production fell -18.2% YoY in August 2025 to 38,693 units, the weakest August since 1956, as summer shutdowns and sector headwinds weighed on output.

• Car production declined -10.2% YoY to 37,072 units, ending a two-month growth run, though domestic output rose 11.5% to 7,162 units.

• Export car volumes dropped -14.2% YoY to 29,910 units, accounting for 80.7% of output, underscoring weakness in overseas demand.

• Commercial vehicle production plunged -73.2% YoY to 1,621 units, reflecting consolidation at a major manufacturer.

• Electrified vehicle production surged 40.9% YoY to 16,830 units, with hybrids, plug-ins, and EVs making up 45.4% of output – the second-highest monthly share on record.

• Year-to-date car output fell -5.9% YoY to 492,009 units, while CV production dropped -54.4% YoY to 35,922 units.

• Total exports were down -20.5% YoY to 30,568 units in August, though the export share of production held near 80%.

• Despite headwinds, the SMMT projects the UK auto sector remains on track to generate over £110 billion in trade for the third straight year, supporting 796,000 jobs.

Total Vehicle Manufacturing

Total Car Manufacturing

Total Commercial Vehicle Manufacturing