UK vehicle production falls in July as exports weaken

27th Aug 2026 09:55

(Sharecast News) - UK vehicle production fell 11.6% year-on-year in July as weaker exports and the timing of summer shutdowns weighed on output, industry figures showed on Thursday.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 63,655 vehicles were produced during the month, down from 72,006 a year earlier. Exports fell 15.9% to 47,377 units, while production for the domestic market rose 3.8%.

Car production declined 10.6% to 61,767 units, while commercial vehicle output dropped 34.4% to 1,888 units.

There was a brighter picture for electrified vehicles, with output of fully electric and hybrid models rising 6.8% to 25,678 units, the first monthly increase of the year. Electrified models accounted for more than four in 10 cars built in July.

Year-to-date vehicle production was down 8.1% at 449,634 units.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "July's figures underline the intense pressure under which UK vehicle manufacturers are currently operating."

He added that weaker overseas demand and "fierce global competition" were compounding disruption from shutdown scheduling and model changeovers.

"The rise in electrified vehicle production is encouraging, but long-term success depends on making the UK a more competitive place to make and sell vehicles. Meaningful and urgent reform of the ZEV Mandate, reduction of the UK's sky-high energy costs and negotiations to safeguard free and fair trade with our largest and closest export market are essential to put UK automotive manufacturing back on a path to growth," Hawes said.