The British motor industry suffered “its worst year in a generation” in 2025 with the number of vehicles built down by 15.5 per cent, according to a new report. Europe received the majority (56.7 per cent) of vehicles exported, followed by the US (15 per cent) and China (6.3 per cent). Despite the gloom, car production picked up towards the end of the year as work returned to normal at JLR, and the new generation electric Nissan Leaf started to roll off the lines in Sunderland. Mr Hawes said he was “optimistic” and independent forecasters see the industry recovering in 2026, with total vehicle production shifting up to around 824,000 units. New electrified cars from Jaguar and an electric Nissan Leaf will be notable contributors to this improvement.