UK - Automotive Production volume, 2024

Flash report, October 2024

Nov 29, 2024

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decreases 13.9% to 89,871 units in October
On November 28, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for October decreased 13.9% over the previous year to 89,871 units. Passenger car production was down 15.3% to 77,484 units and commercial vehicle production was down 3.9% to 12,387 units year over year (y/y).
Vehicle exports down 17.0% (y/y) to 69,746 units and domestic sales decreased 1.3% (y/y) to 20,125 units. The percentage of exports was 77.6%.
In the first ten months of 2024, total vehicle production decreased 8.7% (y/y) to 776,180 units. The passenger car production was down 10.8% to 670,346 units, commercial vehicle was up 6.9% to 105,834 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "These are deeply concerning times for the automotive industry, with massive investments in plants and new zero emission products under intense pressure. Slowdowns in the global market - especially for EVs - are impacting production output, with the situation in the UK particularly acute given we have arguably the toughest targets and most accelerated timeline but without the consumer incentives necessary to drive demand. The cost of stimulating that demand and complying with those targets is huge and, as we are seeing, unsustainable. Urgent action is therefore needed and we will work with government on its rapid review of the regulation and the development of an ambitious and comprehensive Industrial Strategy to assure our competitiveness."

UK vehicle production figures

		Oct. 2024				Jan.-Oct. 2024
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		77,484	12,387	89,871	N/A	670,346	105,834	776,180	N/A
Y-o-Y(%)		-15.3%	-3.9%	-13.9%	-%	-10.8%	6.9%	-8.7%	-%
Breakdown	Export	62,066	7,680	69,746	N/A	511,221	69,342	580,563	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-17.6%	-11.6%	-17.0%	-%	-14.8%	11.4%	-12.4%	-%
	% of Total	80.1%	62.0%	77.6%	-%	76.3%	65.5%	74.8%	-%
	Sales	15,418	4,707	20,125	N/A	159,125	36,492	195,617	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-4.7%	11.9%	-1.3%	-%	5.3%	-0.8%	4.1%	-%
	% of Total	19.9%	38.0%	22.4%	-%	23.7%	34.5%	25.2%	-%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, September 2024

Oct 25, 2024

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decreases 15.2% to 84,682 units in September
On October 24, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for September decreased 15.2% over the previous year to 84,862 units. Passenger car production was down 20.6% to 70,039 units and commercial vehicle production was up 25.9% to 14,643 units year over year (y/y).
Vehicle exports down 15.1% (y/y) to 60,701 units and domestic sales decreased 15.5% (y/y) to 23,981 units. The percentage of exports was 71.7%.
In the first nine months of 2024, total vehicle production decreased 8.0% (y/y) to 686,309 units. The passenger car production was down 10.2% to 592,862 units, commercial vehicle was up 8.5% to 93,447 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "As UK Automotive undergoes its most radical transformation in more than a century, short term production declines were always anticipated, and they represent a temporary adjustment in exchange for long term growth. Following record investment announcements last year, the sector is ready to build on its position as the UK’s largest exporter of manufactured products. To do so, we need the necessary industrial and market conditions, and the forthcoming Budget and Industrial Strategy must put in place ambitious measures to bolster business confidence, attract investment and secure competitiveness.

UK vehicle production figures

		Sep. 2024				Jan.-Sep. 2024
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		70,039	14,643	84,682	N/A	592,862	93,447	686,309	N/A
Y-o-Y(%)		-20.6%	25.9%	-15.2%	-%	-10.2%	8.5%	-8.0%	-%
Breakdown	Export	51,425	9,276	60,701	N/A	449,155	61,662	510,817	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-20.6%	37.2%	-15.1%	-%	-14.4%	15.1%	-11.7%	-%
	% of Total	73.4%	63.3%	71.7%	-%	75.8%	66.0%	74.4%	-%
	Sales	18,614	5,367	23,981	N/A	143,707	31,785	175,492	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-20.8%	10.1%	-15.5%	-%	6.5%	-2.5%	4.8%	-%
	% of Total	26.6%	36.7%	28.3%	-%	24.2%	34.0%	25.6%	-%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, August 2024

Sep 27, 2024

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decreases 8.6% to 47,315 units in August
On September 26, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for August decreased 8.6% over the previous year to 47,315 units. Passenger car production was down 8.4% to 41,271 units and commercial vehicle production was down 10.0% to 6,044 units year over year (y/y).
Vehicle exports down 5.4% (y/y) to 38,473 units and domestic sales decreased 20.3% (y/y) to 8,878 units. The percentage of export was 81.2%.
In the first eight months of 2024, total vehicle production decreased 6.9% (y/y) to 601,628 units. The passenger car production was down 8.5% to 522,823 units, commercial vehicle was up 5.8% to 78,805 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "With the traditional summer shutdowns and factories prepping to switch to new models, August was always going to be a quieter month for output. The sector remains optimistic about a return to growth, however, with record levels of investment announced last year.
Realising those investments and securing more depends on the UK industry maintaining its competitiveness so we look forward both to the Chancellor’s Autumn budget and the government’s proposed Industrial Strategy as critical opportunities to demonstrate that it backs auto. Labour’s Automotive Sector Plan, launched at their Party Conference a year ago, should be the blueprint with its proposals for cheaper, green energy, skills investment and the cultivation of healthy markets here and abroad. These are the measures that would enable the industry to drive economic growth in every part of the country."

UK vehicle production figures

		Aug. 2024				Jan.-Aug. 2024
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		41,271	6,044	47,315	N/A	522,823	78,805	601,628	N/A
Y-o-Y(%)		-8.4%	-10.0%	-8.6%	-%	-8.5%	5.8%	-6.9%	-%
Breakdown	Export	34,850	3,587	38,437	N/A	397,730	52,389	450,119	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-5.9%	-0.2%	-5.4%	-%	-13.6%	12.0%	-11.2%	-%
	% of Total	84.4%	59.3%	81.2%	-%	76.1%	66.5%	74.8%	-%
	Sales	6,421	2,457	8,878	N/A	125,093	26,416	151,509	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-19.8%	-21.3%	-20.3%	-%	12.3%	-4.7%	8.9%	-%
	% of Total	15.6%	40.7%	18.8%	-%	23.9%	33.5%	25.2%	-%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, July 2024

Aug 30, 2024

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decreases 5.4% to 80,730 units in July
On August 29, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for July decreased 5.4% over the previous year to 80,730 units. Passenger car production was down 14.4% to 65,478 units and commercial vehicle production was up 71.7% to 15,252 units year over year (y/y).
Vehicle exports down 9.0% (y/y) to 62,497 units and domestic sales increased 9.3% (y/y) to 18,233 units. The percentage of export was 77.4%.
In the first seven months of 2024, total vehicle production decreased 6.7% (y/y) to 554,313 units. The passenger car production was down 8.6% to 481,552 units, commercial vehicle was up 7.3% to 72,761 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "Following significant growth last year, some readjustment in output was to be expected. Indeed, an ongoing degree of volatility is likely as the industry restructures to transition to zero emission vehicle production. As the billions already committed to new models start to deliver a return, volume growth will resume, providing we seize every opportunity to enhance our global competitiveness. We need investment in skills, healthy markets, cheaper green energy, and fair trade deals that help British-built vehicles reach international customers more easily, all of which should be wrapped in an over-arching industrial strategy that ensures automotive continues to be a key driver of economic growth."

UK vehicle production figures

		Jul. 2024				Jan.-Jul. 2024
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		65,478	15,252	80,730	N/A	481,552	72,761	554,313	N/A
Y-o-Y(%)		-14.4%	71.7%	-5.4%	-%	-8.6%	7.3%	-6.7%	-%
Breakdown	Export	52,963	9,534	62,497	N/A	362,880	48,802	411,682	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-16.3%	76.8%	-9.0%	-%	-14.3%	13.0%	-11.7%	-%
	% of Total	80.9%	62.5%	77.4%	-%	75.4%	67.1%	74.3%	-%
	Sales	12,515	5,718	18,233	N/A	118,672	23,959	142,631	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-5.1%	63.7%	9.3%	-%	14.8%	-2.6%	11.4%	-%
	% of Total	19.1%	37.5%	22.6%	-%	24.6%	32.9%	25.7%	-%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, June 2024

Jul 26, 2024

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 23.6% to 73,748 units in June
On July 25, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for June decreased 23.6% over the previous year to 73,748 units. Passenger car production was down 26.6% to 62,231 units and commercial vehicle production was down 2.0% to 11,517 units year over year (y/y).
Vehicle exports down 25.9% (y/y) to 56,041 units and domestic sales decreased 15.2% (y/y) to 17,707 units. The percentage of export was 76.0%.
In the first six months of 2024, total vehicle production decreased 7.0% (y/y) to 473,030 units. The passenger car production was down 7.6% to 416,074 units, commercial vehicle was down 2.9% to 56,956 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said " The UK auto industry is moving at pace to build the next generation of electric vehicles - a transition that can be a growth engine for the entire British economy. The new government’s commitments to gigafactories, a decarbonised energy supply and a faster planning system will help boost our competitiveness and sustain employment in a sector that delivers well paid, skilled jobs nationwide. Amid fierce global competition, however, industry and government must work quickly to deliver those commitments, creating an industrial strategy that enables the growth the economy craves."

UK vehicle production figures

		Jun. 2024				Jan.-Jun. 2024
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		62,231	11,517	73,748	N/A	416,074	56,956	473,030	N/A
Y-o-Y(%)		-26.6%	-2.0%	-23.6%	-%	-7.6%	-2.9%	-7.0%	-%
Breakdown	Export	48,561	7,480	56,041	N/A	309,917	39,168	349,085	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-28.3%	-5.0%	-25.9%	-%	-13.9%	3.6%	-12.2%	-%
	% of Total	78.0%	64.9%	76.0%	-%	74.5%	68.8%	73.8%	-%
	Sales	13,670	4,037	17,707	N/A	106,157	17,788	123,945	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-19.6%	4.1%	-15.2%	-%	17.7%	-14.8%	11.6%	-%
	% of Total	22.0%	35.1%	24.0%	-%	25.5%	31.2%	26.2%	-%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, May 2024

Jun 28, 2024

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 17.6% to 74,052 units in May
On June 27, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for May decreased 17.6% over the previous year to 74,052 units. Passenger car production was down 11.9% to 69,652 units and commercial vehicle production was down 59.3% to 4,400 units year over year (y/y).
Vehicle exports down 22.4% (y/y) to 54,925 units and domestic sales increased 0.3% (y/y) to 19,127 units. The percentage of export was 74.2%.
In the first five months of 2024, total vehicle production decreased 3.2% (y/y) to 399,282 units. The passenger car production was down 3.2% to 353,843 units, commercial vehicle was down 3.2% to 45,439 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "Massive change is underway in the UK’s car factories as manufacturers retool for new electric models. Amid strong international competition for green automotive investment, however, the UK needs to ensure it has the most attractive conditions for manufacturing businesses and a compelling offer for existing and new investors. Essential to this is a long-term industrial strategy, which encompasses all industry, all stakeholders and all of government in the pursuit of sustainable and green growth."

UK vehicle production figures

		May 2024				Jan.-May 2024
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		69,652	4,400	74,052	N/A	353,843	45,439	399,282	N/A
Y-o-Y(%)		-11.9%	-59.3%	-17.6%	-%	-3.2%	-3.2%	-3.2%	-%
Breakdown	Export	51,898	3,027	54,925	N/A	261,356	31,688	293,044	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-17.4%	-61.9%	-22.4%	-%	-10.6%	5.9%	-9.0%	-%
	% of Total	74.5%	68.8%	74.2%	-%	73.9%	69.7%	73.4%	-%
	Sales	17,754	1,373	19,127	N/A	92,487	13,751	106,238	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	9.7%	-52.2%	0.3%	-%	26.3%	-19.1%	17.8%	-%
	% of Total	25.5%	31.2%	25.8%	-%	26.1%	30.3%	26.6%	-%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, April 2024

May 31, 2024

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 8.8% to 70,233 units in April
On May 30, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for April decreased 8.8% over the previous year to 70,233 units. Passenger car production was down 14.1% to 53,400 units and commercial vehicle production was down 19.9% to 8,413 units year over year (y/y).
Vehicle exports down 14,1% (y/y) to 53,400 units and domestic sales increased 13.6% (y/y) to 16.833 units. The percentage of export was 76.0%.
In the first four months of 2024, total vehicle production increased 0.9% (y/y) to 325,230 units. The passenger car production was down 0.8% to 284,191 units, commercial vehicle was up 13.6% to 41,309 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "Another month of falling UK car production was expected given the significant transformation underway within factories as manufacturers retool to produce new models. Keeping this progress on track is essential and requires favourable industrial and market conditions. With a general election in a matter of weeks, the next government must ensure the conditions are right not just for the competitiveness of UK manufacturing, but for the investment required to transition the sector to a net zero future."

UK vehicle production figures

		Apr. 2024				Jan.-Apr. 2024
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		61,820	8,413	70,233	N/A	284,191	41,039	325,230	N/A
Y-o-Y(%)		-7.0%	-19.9%	-8.8%	-%	-0.8%	13.6%	0.9%	-%
Breakdown	Export	47,799	5,601	53,400	N/A	209,458	28,661	238,119	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-12.7%	-24.1%	-14.1%	-%	-8.7%	30.3%	-5.3%	-%
	% of Total	77.3%	66.6%	76.0%	-%	73.7%	69.8%	73.2%	-%
	Sales	14,021	2,812	16,833	N/A	74,733	12,378	87,111	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	19.8%	-9.9%	13.6%	-%	31.0%	-12.4%	22.4%	-%
	% of Total	22.7%	33.4%	24.0%	-%	26.3%	30.2%	26.8%	-%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, March 2024

Apr 26, 2024

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production decrease 26.3% to 67,410 units in March
On April 25, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for March decreased 26.3% over the previous year to 67,410 units. Passenger car production was down 27.1% to 59,467 units and commercial vehicle production was down 19.2% to 7,943 units year over year (y/y).
Vehicle exports down 33.9% (y/y) to 44,556 units and domestic sales decreased 5.1% (y/y) to 22,854 units. The percentage of export was 66.1%.
In the first three months of 2024, total vehicle production increased 3.9% (y/y) to 254,997 units. The passenger car production was up 1.1% to 222,371 units, commercial vehicle was up 27.4% to 32,626 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "This fall is not unexpected given the wholesale changes taking place within UK car factories as existing models are run out and more plants transition to electric vehicle production. We can expect further volatility throughout 2024 as manufacturers lay the foundations for a successful zero emission future. Recent investment announcements have boosted confidence and enhanced the UK’s reputation but there needs to be an unrelenting commitment to competitiveness. Free and fair trade deals must be secured, energy costs reduced and the workforce upskilled if we are to attract further investment to improve productivity and decarbonise automotive manufacturing and its supply chain."

UK vehicle production figures

		Mar. 2024				Jan.-Mar. 2024
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		59,467	7,943	67,410	N/A	222,371	32,626	254,997	N/A
Y-o-Y(%)		-27.1%	-19.2%	-26.3%	-%	1.1%	27.4%	3.9%	-%
Breakdown	Export	39,472	5,084	44,556	N/A	161,659	23,060	184,719	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-35.9%	-12.6%	-33.9%	-%	-7.4%	57.9%	-2.4%	-%
	% of Total	66.4%	64.0%	66.1%	-%	72.7%	70.7%	72.4%	-%
	Sales	19,995	2,859	22,854	N/A	60,712	9,566	70,278	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	-0.3%	-28.8%	-5.1%	-%	33.9%	-13.1%	24.8%	-%
	% of Total	33.6%	36.0%	33.9%	-%	27.3%	29.3%	27.6%	-%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, February 2024

Mar 29, 2024

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production increase 21.8% to 92,834 units in February
On March 28, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for February increased 21.8% over the previous year to 92,834 units. Passenger car production was up 14.6% to 79,907 units and commercial vehicle production was up 98.4% to 12,927 units year over year (y/y).
Vehicle exports up 15.2% (y/y) to 69,260 units and domestic sales increased 46.3% (y/y) to 23,574 units. The percentage of export was 74.6%.
In the first two months of 2024, total vehicle production increased 21.8% (y/y) to 187,587 units. The passenger car production was up 17.8% to 162,904 units, commercial vehicle was up 56.4% to 24,683 units.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "Another month of growth for UK car production is welcome news, reflecting strong demand at home and around the world for the latest British-built cars. The industry is transitioning from internal combustion engine cars to electrified vehicles, building on the massive investment commitments made last year. The UK industry faces stiff competition, however, as global competitors seek to secure new models and technologies so a commitment to our industrial competitiveness, from all political parties in this likely election year, must be maintained."

UK vehicle production figures

		Feb. 2024				Jan.-Feb. 2024
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine	Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		79,907	12,927	92,834	N/A	162,904	24,683	187,587	N/A
Y-o-Y(%)		14.6%	98.4%	21.8%	-%	17.8%	56.4%	21.8%	-%
Breakdown	Export	59,249	10,011	69,260	N/A	122,187	17,976	140,163	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	4.6%	188.0%	15.2%	-%	8.1%	104.5%	15.1%	-%
	% of Total	74.1%	77.4%	74.6%	-%	75.0%	72.8%	74.7%	-%
	Sales	20,658	2,916	23,574	N/A	40,717	6,707	47,424	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	58.0%	-4.0%	46.3%	-%	61.1%	-4.0%	47.0%	-%
	% of Total	25.9%	22.6%	25.4%	-%	25.0%	27.2%	25.3%	-%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

Flash report, January 2024

Mar 1, 2024

*There are cases where recently released data and detailed information in the database do not match up for reasons including different information sources, and discrepancies between preliminary reports and confirmed data.

UK vehicle production increases 21.7% to 94,753 units in January
On February 29, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that the number of UK vehicle production for January increased 21.7% over the previous year to 94,753 units. Passenger car production was up 21.0% to 82,997 units and commercial vehicle production was up 26.9% to 11,756 units year over year (y/y).
Vehicle exports increased 14.9% (y/y) to 70,903 units and domestic sales increased 47.7% (y/y) to 23,850 units. The percentage of export was 74.8%.
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT said "A positive start to the year for UK car production bodes well for the industry and the many thousands of livelihoods on which it depends. There can be no room for complacency, however, given economic headwinds and geopolitical tensions. There must be a relentless commitment to competitiveness, building on the significant recent investments into the sector. The forthcoming Budget is a chance for Government to do just that by introducing measures to boost UK automotive manufacturing, focused on energy, investment competitiveness and market demand."

UK vehicle production figures

		Jan. 2024
		Passenger Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total	Engine
Total		82,997	11,756	94,753	N/A
Y-o-Y(%)		21.0%	26.9%	21.7%	-%
Breakdown	Export	62,938	7,965	70,903	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	11.6%	49.8%	14.9%	-%
	% of Total	75.8%	67.8%	74.8%	-%
	Sales	20,059	3,791	23,850	N/A
	Y-o-Y(%)	64.5%	-4.0%	47.7%	-%
	% of Total	24.2%	32.2%	25.2%	-%

Source:Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)