2025 saw the fewest vehicles manufactured in the UK since 1952.
As we reported last month, there was a 78% fall in output in November, and that was the story of the year. The most significant impact was the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack, which led to a production shutdown for several months, but that wasn’t the only factor. Tariffs on US imports and the closure of Vauxhall’s Luton plant were also major causes of the biggest fall in UK vehicle production since the days of rationing.
UK factories produced a total of 764,715 units – 717,371 cars and 47,344 commercial vehicles, with output falling by 8% and 62.3% respectively, according to new figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
There was some limited growth, at Mini’s Oxford plant and at Leyland Trucks, but these were the exceptions.
“2025 was the toughest year in a generation for UK vehicle manufacturing”, said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. “Structural changes, new trade barriers, and a cyber-attack that stopped production at one of the UK’s most important manufacturers combined to constrain output, but the outlook for 2026 is one of recovery.
“The launch of a raft of new, increasingly electric, models and an improving economic outlook in key markets augur well. The key to long term growth, however, is the creation of the right competitive conditions for investment; reduced energy costs; the avoidance of new trade barriers; and a healthy, sustainable domestic market.”
