UK car and commercial vehicle production fell for the fifth consecutive month in May, according to new figures from the SMMT.
Car production slumped by 31.5% in the month to 47,723 units, while commercial vehicle production was down by 53.6% to just 2,087 units. Combined, production fell by 32.8%, making it the lowest May output since 1949, excluding Covid-hit 2020.
Year-to-date, production is 12.9% down, with 348,266 units in the first five months the lowest accumulated total since 1953.
The SMMT also reported that car production for export fell by 27.8% with production for the much smaller domestic market down by 42.1%, while commercial production for export plummeted by 71.7%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “While 2025 has proved to be an incredibly challenging year for UK automotive production, there is the beginnings of some optimism for the future. Confirmed trade deals with crucial markets, especially the US and a more positive relationship with the EU, as well as government strategies on industry and trade that recognise the critical role the sector plays in driving economic growth, should help recovery.
“With rapid implementation, particularly on the energy costs constraining our competitiveness, the UK can deliver the jobs, growth and decarbonisation that is desperately needed.”
