Britain’s car production fell 8.2% to 65,249 units in January, as exports declined due to weak demand in key global markets, industry data showed on Friday.
Car exports from the UK fell 10.1% to 51,396 units during the month, marking a disappointing start to the year.
“It reinforces the need for a forward-looking trade agenda that secures existing preferential access – notably with the biggest market on our doorstep, given protectionist ‘Made in Europe’ proposals – and builds new ones with markets worldwide,” said Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
The EU, U.S. and China are among the biggest export destinations for British automobiles.
Overall UK vehicle production, including that of commercial vehicles, fell 13.6% to 67,415 units, data from SMMT showed.
Commercial vehicle production extended its decline for the tenth straight month following a major plant restructuring, falling 68.6% to 2,166 units.
However, the latest independent outlook has reaffirmed prior expectations of overall UK car production growing to about 790,000 units in 2026, SMMT added.
(Reporting by Unnamalai L）
