UK car production fell -27.1% in September, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Just 51,090 units left factory gates, with the production stoppage at Britain’s biggest automotive employer – caused by an unprecedented cyber incident.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “September’s performance comes as no surprise given the total loss of production at Britain’s biggest automotive employer following a cyber incident.
“While the situation has improved, the sector remains under immense pressure. The Industrial Strategy, launched by the Prime Minister, Business Secretary and Chancellor only in June, sought to align government policies towards growth and restore UK vehicle output to 1.3 million units per annum.
“The move to scrap ECOS immediately puts that ambition in doubt and must be reversed given the damage it will inflict on the sector and exchequer revenues.”
Almost half (47.8%) of cars made in the month were either battery electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid, with volumes up 14.7% to 24,445 units.
Overall car production for the UK market fell by -34.1% to 12,269 units while exports declined -24.5%. 38,821 cars were made for global markets – representing 76.0% of total output.
Commercial vehicle production declined for the sixth month in a row, by -77.9% to 3,229 units, driven by the consolidation of operations by a leading manufacturer.
Combined car and van production was down by -35.9% in September to 54,319 units.
Amid an incredibly challenging global industrial and investment landscape, UK car and van factories turned out a combined 582,250 units this year, representing a -15.2% decline on the equivalent period in 2024.
The industry is calling for rapid interventions to shore up its competitiveness.
Keeping manufacturers’ ECOS schemes would support manufacturing workers and investors and would be an immediate relief, while pulling forward to 2026 critical energy cost interventions – notably the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) – combined with skills funding reforms and programmes to support supply chain resilience would further boost the sector.
