UK vehicle production fell -11.8% to 905,223 vehicles in 2024 amid ‘tough economic conditions’ and structural change as factories switched from ICE to EV manufacturing.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), which released the figures, said the latest independent production outlook expects UK car and light van production to be around 839,000 units in 2025 before rising to 930,000 units in 2027. It peaked in 1972 at just below the two million mark.
December rounded off 10 consecutive months of decline for British car production, with output down -27.1% to 45,022 units.
Over the year, car production fell -13.9%, with output for the UK market down by -8.0% to 176,019 units, while exports declined -15.5% to 603,565 units. CV output grew by 4.0%, its best level since 2008
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Amid significant geopolitical and trade tensions, UK manufacturers are set on turning billions of pounds of investment into production reality, transforming factories to make new electric vehicles for sale around the world.
“Growing pains are inevitable, so the drop in volumes last year is not surprising.
“With new, exciting models and battery production on the horizon, the potential for growth is clear. Securing this future, however, requires industrial and trade strategies that deliver the competitive conditions essential for growth amidst an increasingly protectionist global environment.”
