27th Mar 2026 03:42
(Alliance News) - UK vehicle manufacturing fell sharply in February, an industry association reported Friday.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, total vehicle production in the UK fell 17% to 68,061 units in February from 82,183 units during the same month a year earlier.
The production of export vehicles declined 15% to 54,446 units from 63,777 units over the same period, while production for the domestic market fell 26% to 13,615 units from 18,406 units.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes commented: "Another decline for UK vehicle production and exports is extremely worrying, given these figures pre-date the crisis in the Middle East. While the sector has made efforts to build resilience into its logistics and supply chains post Covid, the conflict adds further strain. Now more than ever we must focus on our industrial competitiveness by driving down energy costs, backing our suppliers, supporting our domestic market and securing free and fair trade with Europe."
Total car manufacturing was down 11% at 65,885 units from 73,814 units and commercial vehicle manufacturing plummeted 74% to 2,176 units from 8,369 units.
"The news comes amid fresh global turmoil, notably in the Middle East, and with the UK sector facing additional pressure from 'Made in the EU' proposals set out in the European Commission's Industrial Accelerator Act. As drafted, they would discriminate against UK-made vehicles and components," the SMMT said.
By Elijah Dale, Alliance News senior reporter Asia-Pacific
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