Vehicle output in the UK is at its lowest point since 1952
Vehicle production in the United Kingdom has dropped to its lowest level in 70 years, largely due to poor holiday timing and ongoing tariff uncertainty, according to Wards Auto. Citing data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK produced just 59,203 vehicles in April—its weakest monthly output since 1952, excluding a few pandemic-era lockdown months in 2020.
Several factors contributed to the slump. A late Easter holiday in April reduced the number of working days, while model changeovers required temporary factory shutdowns. The most pressing issue remains the 10 percent U.S. auto tariff on up to 100,000 vehicles annually.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes described it as “the toughest start” to the year for UK manufacturing since 2009, when the industry was still reeling from the global financial crisis.
“Urgent action is needed to boost domestic demand and strengthen our international competitiveness,” Hawes said. He noted that the UK government has acknowledged the sector’s importance by securing improved trade terms with the U.S., EU, and India in the span of a month.
April’s production figure marks a 15.8 percent drop year-over-year. Passenger car output declined by 8.6 percent to 56,534 units, while commercial vehicle production plunged 68.6 percent to just 2,669 units. Wards Auto attributes the latter to a plant closure and a return to normal demand levels following the post-pandemic surge.
Despite tariff-related challenges, Europe remains the UK’s top export market. Exports to the continent fell by 19.1 percent in April but still made up more than half of all overseas shipments. U.S. exports dipped 2.7 percent, while exports to China and Turkey surged 44 percent and 31.2 percent, respectively.
“To seize these trading opportunities, we must attract more investment,” Hawes added. “That will require a bold, forward-thinking industrial strategy to build competitiveness and investor confidence. Get it right, and the UK will see gains in jobs, economic growth, and decarbonization.”
