UK half-year vehicle production down 7.5%, industry sees signs of optimism

UK car production drops amid calls for 'urgent action' to protect 188,000 automotive jobs

The UK's car production sector has seen a concerning drop in the first half of the year, with experts warning that the industry could face further challenges.Fresh data shows that the output of new cars and commercial vehicles in the first six months of 2026 declined by 7.5 per cent.In total, just under 386,000 new vehicles have been produced, compared with 417,000 last year, as June also saw a 1.2 per cent fall.More than 294,000 of all cars and…

UK half-year vehicle production down 7.5%, industry sees signs of optimism

UK vehicle production fell 7.5% in the first half of 2026 amid trade uncertainty, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and ​Traders said on Thursday, though it added there were signs of optimism ‌under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

ZEV mandate review is 'urgent', industry warns new PM

'Unrealistic' rise of zero-emission targets risk future investment in UK industry, claims SMMT boss New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been urged by industry bosses to press ahead with government plans to review the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate and make the automotive sector a key part of his plans to reindustrialise Britain. Mike Hawes, the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), made the calls to coinc…

Vehicle production drops in first half of year

British car manufacturers produced considerably fewer vehicles in the first six months of this year, according to fresh figures from the industry’s largest trade group which warned that tariffs and domestic policy decisions were weighing on an already struggling sector. Vehicle production fell by 7.5 per cent between January and July compared to the same period last year in what has been a “challenging” half for carmakers, the Society of Motor M…

UK vehicle production stutters in first half of 2026

UK vehicle production fell 7.5% to 385,979 units in the first half of 2026, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). After a […] The post UK vehicle production stutters in first half of 2026 first appeared on Bodyshop Magazine.

UK vehicle production falls 7.5% to 385,979 units in first half

UK vehicle production fell 7.5 per cent in the first half of 2026, with factories building 385,979 cars and commercial vehicles, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Output stabilised in the second quarter, dipping by 128 units, or 0.1 per cent, year on year, as exports strengthened and car production returned to marginal growth. Production for export reached 294,222 units over the six months, d…