United Kingdom Car ProductionJuly 2023 Data - 1977-2022 Historical

UK car production jumped 31.6% year-on-year to 76,451 units in July 2023, rising for the sixth consecutive month as manufacturers continued to recover from recent difficulties, notably global chip shortages, to deliver the latest models to domestic and overseas buyers. Still, output remained 29.4% lower than pre-pandemic July 2019. Manufacturing for UK buyers rose 13.7%, while exports surged 36.1%, representing by far the bulk of all production in July. The EU remained the biggest global market, along with the US, China, Japan and Australia, accounting for almost 85% of all UK car exports combined. Production for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles were up 73.9% in July, representing 39.5% of all cars made. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Six months of growth shows that British car production is recovering and, with electrified models increasingly driving volumes, the future is more positive.”

UK car production jumped 16.2% year-on-year to 84,767 units in June 2023, rising for the fifth consecutive month as manufacturers were increasingly able to manage global supply chain challenges, notably the shortage of semiconductor, that had constrained production since the pandemic. For the first half of the year, UK car production increased 11.7% to 450,168 units, representing a 13.6% growth for exports and a 4.5% rise in domestic volumes. The EU remained the biggest global market, accounting for 59.5% of all British car shipments year-to-date, followed by the US, China, Japan and Australia. Production for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles were up 71.6% year-to-date, representing 37.8% of all cars produced so far this year. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “UK car manufacturing is growing again, with production – especially of electrified models – increasing and major investment announcements making headlines.”

UK car production jumped 27% year-on-year to 79,046 units in May 2023, rising for the fourth straight month as manufacturers defied the challenging economic backdrop to fulfill customer demand for the latest British-built models, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported. Domestic and overseas orders increased 45.4% and 22.9%, respectively, with exports accounting for 79.5% of production. The EU remained the biggest global market, representing 56% of all overseas shipments. British car makers continued to manufacture increasing numbers of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles, with combined volumes of these models up 95.4% in May and representing over a third (35%) of all production. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Another month of growth for UK car production is good news and a sign that, despite challenging economic conditions, the industry’s foundations are strong.”