The number of vehicles built in the UK fell by 15% in 2025 as the industry dealt with the toughest year in a generation for manufacturing, according to a report. 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. Total car production is predicted to return to growth this year, with output set to rise by more than 10%, according to the report. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “2025 was the toughest year in a generation for UK vehicle manufacturing.