7:30 am, January 29, 2026
UK vehicle production fell by 15% in 2025 as the industry dealt with the toughest year in a generation for manufacturing, according to latest data.
New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 717,371 cars and 47,344 commercial vehicles rolled off production lines, down 8% and 62% respectively.
Issues affecting production included the JLR cyber attack, new tariffs on trade across the Atlantic, and ongoing restructuring as plants shift to a decarbonised future, said the SMMT.
Over the year, car production for the UK market and exports both fell by around 8%.
Production of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars increased by 8.3% to just under 300,000, a record 41.7% share of output.
The figures are expected to increase this year with the planned launch of seven new EV models, the SMMT said.
Total car production is predicted to return to growth this year, with output set to rise by more than 10%, according to the report.
The SMMT’s data showed Europe received 56% of vehicles exported, followed by the US (15%), and China (6.3%).
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘2025 was the toughest year in a generation for UK vehicle manufacturing.
‘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.
‘Government has set out how it will back the sector with its industrial and trade strategies, and 2026 must be a year of delivery.’
UK Vehicle Production by Manufacturer (2025)
Nissan (Sunderland)
- Models: Juke, Leaf, Qashqai
- 2024 production: 282,124
- 2025 production: 273,322
- Change: -3.1%
JLR (Castle Bromwich / Halewood / Solihull)
- Models: F-Pace, Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover
- 2024 production: 257,110
- 2025 production: 201,283
- Change: -21.7%
Mini (Oxford)
- Models: Mini
- 2024 production: 110,742
- 2025 production: 124,271
- Change: +12.2%
Toyota (Burnaston, Derby)
- Models: Toyota Corolla, Suzuki Swace
- 2024 production: 100,009
- 2025 production: 92,136
- Change: -7.9%
Stellantis (Ellesmere Port / Luton)
- Models: Vauxhall Combo-e, Peugeot e-Partner, Citroen e-Berlingo
- 2024 production: 105,450
- 2025 production: 31,048
- Change: -70.6%
Leyland Trucks (Leyland)
- Models: DAF CF, LF, XF
- 2024 production: 14,205
- 2025 production: 15,141
- Change: +6.6%
Bentley (Crewe)
- Models: Bentayga, Continental, Flying Spur
- 2024 production: 10,770
- 2025 production: 9,943
- Change: -7.7%
Others
Includes: Alexander Dennis, Aston Martin, Caterham, Dennis Eagle, LEVC, Lotus, McLaren, Morgan, Rolls-Royce, Switch Mobility, Wrightbus
- 2024 production: 24,823
- 2025 production: 17,751
- Change: -29.2%
Total UK Production (All makes)
- 2024: 905,233
- 2025: 764,715
- Overall change: -15.5%
