UK vehicle production fell 7.5% in H1 2026 to 385,979 units, but Q2 steadied. SMMT warns EV investment is at risk without action on energy and ZEV rules.
UK vehicle production fell 7.5% across the first six months of 2026, with 385,979 cars and commercial vehicles leaving factory gates, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Exports now account for 76.2% of everything built here, which explains why trade policy dominates the industry’s wish list. The EU remains the biggest customer by some distance, taking 58.3% of car shipments at 166,801 units, up 3.4% year on year.
The US followed with 45,162 units, or 15.8% of exports, though volumes slipped 4.6%. China, in third, took 12,323 units, down 44.7% on H1 2025.
Electric cars made up roughly four in 10 cars built in the period, but output was 8.6% down on last year as several manufacturers worked through model changeovers.
Sara Said...
"Farizon... Four years warranty, four years servicing... You’re taking away all of the concerns that any driver would have when choosing something that wasn't necessarily built in Europe."
Paul Said...
"China is no longer being seen as that stand-alone competitor, but they're now being seen as somebody that can add value to the British ecosystem. That’s the way it should be done—it should be around collaboration."