UK car and commercial vehicle production fell for the fifth consecutive month in May, down -32.8% to 49,810 units.
Excluding Covid, when plants were shut down, it was the worst May performance since 1949.
Year to date, total output is down -12.9% on 2024, to 348,226, the lowest since 1953, according to the data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Car production declined -31.5% in the month, due primarily to ongoing model changeovers, restructuring and the impact of US tariffs, with 47,723 units rolling off factory lines.
Commercial vehicle output was also down sharply, by -53.6% to 2,087 units, as the closure of one of the UK’s CV plants continues to impact comparisons with last year.
Car production for export fell by -27.8%, with shipments to the EU and US, the UK’s two largest markets, down -22.5% and -55.4% respectively.
SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said the market was “incredibly challenging” but trade deals with the EU and US sounded a positive note.
“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.”
