UK car production falls to its lowest level in 73 years (if you don’t count lockdown)

How's business? Last month spelled some pretty rubbish news for UK vehicle production, with April’s numbers flagging by a chunky 15.8 per cent. That’s the lowest level since 1952, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures – at least if you don’t count lockdown.

And why would you? That first pandemic measure pretty much entirely halted production. These – believe it or not – are more usual times, and yet 59,203 units (down from 70,319 in 2024) does not a pretty penny make.

After weeks of difficult trade negotiations with Europe, India, and the USA, the industry is understandably feeling a bit sorry for itself.

Despite that ‘historic' trade deal with the US on VE day, SMMT’s numbers showed UK car exports had dropped by over 10 per cent, too. Commercial vehicle production and exports numbers don’t paint an especially hopeful picture either, tombstoning 68.6 per cent and 75.8 per cent respectively.

SMMT boss Mike Hawes said: “With automotive manufacturing experiencing its toughest start to the year since 2009, urgent action is needed to boost domestic demand and our international competitiveness.

“Government has recognised automotive manufacturing’s critical role in driving the UK economy, having successfully negotiated improved trading conditions for the sector with the US, EU and India in the space of a month.

“To take advantage of these trading opportunities we must secure additional investment which will depend on the competitiveness and confidence that can be provided by a comprehensive and innovative long-term industrial strategy. Get this right and the jobs, economic growth and decarbonisation will flow across the UK."