UK vehicle production tipped for stronger 2026
UK vehicle production fell 15.5% to 764,715 units last year, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It recorded an annual output of 717,371 cars, which was impacted by the cybercrime attack on Jaguar Land Rover, and 47,344 commercial vehicles.
Commercial vehicle production in December plummeted by 68% to make it nine consecutive months of falling volumes, although car production was up 18% in the last month of the year.
The data also found production of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars rose by 8.3% to a combined 298,813 units, which represents 42% of total output.
Looking ahead, the SMMT is predicting car production to rise by more than 10% to 790,000 units in 2026, with commercial vehicle output expected to reach 824,000 units.
Year of delivery
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “2025 was the toughest year in a generation for UK vehicle manufacturing. Structural changes, new trade barriers, and a cyber attack that stopped production at one of the UK’s most important manufacturers combined to constrain output, but the outlook for 2026 is one of recovery.”
He continued: “The launch of a raft of new, increasingly electric, models and an improving economic outlook in key markets augur well.
“The key to long term growth, however, is the creation of the right competitive conditions for investment; reduced energy costs; the avoidance of new trade barriers; and a healthy, sustainable domestic market.
“Government has set out how it will back the sector with its Industrial and Trade strategies, and 2026 must be a year of delivery.”
