Car production fell for the fifth consecutive month in May – London Business News | London Wallet

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that car production was down by a third compared to the previous year.

Production is down by nearly 13% in the year to date on 2024 to 348,226, this is the lowest level since 1953, this mainly due to the impact of US tariffs, restructuring and the ongoing model changeovers.

Kast month commercial vehicle output was down by over 50% to 2,087 and a total 47,723 cars were produced in the factory lines.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “While 2025 has proved to be an incredibly challenging year for UK automotive production, there is the beginning of some optimism for the future.

“Confirmed trade deals with crucial markets, especially the US and a more positive relationship with the EU, as well as Government strategies on industry and trade that recognise the critical role the sector plays in driving economic growth, should help recovery.

“With rapid implementation, particularly on the energy costs constraining our competitiveness, the UK can deliver the jobs, growth and decarbonisation that is desperately needed.”