UK vehicle production grew by 5.7% to 40,872 units in August, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Year-to-date output remains down, although losses eased to -7.1% from -8.1% in the first seven months.
Car production recorded its strongest increase since December 2025, rising by 6.1% to 39,328 units, with growth driven largely by output for the domestic market, which rose by 26.0%.
Production for export also grew, up 1.4%, and accounted for more than three quarters (77.1%) of all cars made in the month.
Electrified vehicle output, including battery electric and hybrid models, increased by 2% during the month, accounting for more than four in 10 cars produced (43.6%).
Commercial vehicle production remained under pressure, with van, truck, bus and coach output declining by -4.8% to 1,544 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “August’s return to growth and this month’s £1 billion-plus investment commitments show hard-won confidence in UK automotive manufacturing, confidence that must be protected, not put at risk.
“The UK and EU automotive industries are deeply integrated, so effectively excluding British-produced vehicles from their largest market would assure mutual damage.
“Both sides must urgently agree practical fixes to protect jobs, preserve shared competitiveness and keep the EU and UK industry moving.”
