UK vehicle production fell by 7.5% in the first half of 2026 as manufacturers continued to grapple with model changeovers, weak global demand and rising costs. Overall output in Q2 slipped by just 128 vehicles compared with the same period last year, while car production edged up 0.2%. The trade body expects UK car and light commercial vehicle production to remain broadly flat at around 740,000 units this year before returning to growth in 2027. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘Global vehicle production remains under intense pressure, and the UK is no exception. Global market weakness, trade pressures and uncompetitive costs are taking their toll.