None
DE
UK vehicle production falls 7.5% to 385,979 units in first half
['Amy Ingham', 'Amy Ingham Is A Reporter At Business Matters', 'Covering Uk Business News With A Focus On Breaking News', 'Business Policy', 'Late Payments', "Insolvency. She Joined The Magazine In After Completing The Nctj Diploma In Journalism At Harlow College'S Journalism School. Her Recent Reporting Includes British Steel'S Nationalisation", 'Its Impact On Sme Suppliers', 'The Decline In Late Payments Large Firms', 'Insolvency Service Director Disqualifications. Reach Her At Aingham Cbmeg.Co.Uk.']
Business Matters
UK vehicle production fell 7.5 per cent in the first half of 2026, with factories building 385,979 cars and commercial vehicles, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Production for export reached 294,222 units over the six months, down 5.6 per cent on the same period last year.
On trade, SMMT said ‘Made in Europe’ and rules of origin issues arising under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement threaten cross-Channel trade and supply chains.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Global vehicle production remains under intense pressure, and the UK is no exception.
It accounts for 10 per cent of all UK goods exports, worth almost £40 billion, and £111 billion in total automotive trade.