UK car production rises dragged down by CV output
UK car production was up 5.6% in July to 69,127 units, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
This marked the second consecutive month of growth after months of decline.
Production for both domestic and export markets was up, rising 13.6% and 3.7% respectively with overseas markets accounting for 79.4% of output. The EU remained the main destination for UK car exports (45.6% share), while the US remains the largest single national market for British built cars 18.1%), underscoring the importance of the UK-US trade deal.
But while car production improved, commercial vehicle output fell 81.1% meaning overall vehicle production during the month was down 10.8% to 72,006 units.
Year to date, total vehicle output is down 11.7% with 489,238 units produced. However, the latest independent production outlook for light vehicles anticipates growth to return in 2026, with output expected to rise 6.4% to 803,000 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It remains a turbulent time for automotive manufacturing, with consumer confidence weak, trade flows volatile and massive investment in new technologies underway both here and abroad.
“Given this backdrop, another month of growing car output is good news – signalling the sector’s underlying resilience in the face of intense global competition.
“To unlock sustained growth, however, government strategies must become tangible actions as a thriving automotive sector can support well paid jobs and economic development across the UK.
