UK Car Production Falls 0.7% in April

2026-05-27 23:14 By Chusnul Chotimah 1 min. read

UK car production dropped 0.7% year-on-year to a four-month low of 56,135 units in April 2026, following a 0.8% decline in the previous month, reflecting broader model changeovers amid challenges in several key global markets.

Meanwhile, car exports shrank 8.2%, although the EU remained the largest destination, accounting for 53.2% of exports, with shipments to the bloc rising 6.9% to 23,103 units.

Exports also grew to the US, rising 6.8% to 7,558 units, but plunged to China, slumping 44.4% to 2,081 units.

However, exports continued to drive production, accounting for 76.4% of all vehicle output in the month.

A 1.1% rise in cars produced for global markets offset the decline in shipments, resulting in an overall 0.8% increase in outbound trade.

Meanwhile, domestic car output for the UK fell 6.4% to 12,700 units.

In the first four months of the year, car output dropped 5.4% to 257,024 units.



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UK Car Production Falls 0.7% in April
UK car production dropped 0.7% year-on-year to a four-month low of 56,135 units in April 2026, following a 0.8% decline in the previous month, reflecting broader model changeovers amid challenges in several key global markets. Meanwhile, car exports shrank 8.2%, although the EU remained the largest destination, accounting for 53.2% of exports, with shipments to the bloc rising 6.9% to 23,103 units. Exports also grew to the US, rising 6.8% to 7,558 units, but plunged to China, slumping 44.4% to 2,081 units. However, exports continued to drive production, accounting for 76.4% of all vehicle output in the month. A 1.1% rise in cars produced for global markets offset the decline in shipments, resulting in an overall 0.8% increase in outbound trade. Meanwhile, domestic car output for the UK fell 6.4% to 12,700 units. In the first four months of the year, car output dropped 5.4% to 257,024 units.
2026-05-27
UK Car Production Down 0.8% in March
UK car production fell by 0.8% year-on-year to 69,755 units in March 2026, following a 10.7% drop in the previous month, as temporary parts supply disruption at a large plant, weak exports to Asian and US markets, and model changeovers weighed on output. Car exports fell 4.3% to 49,339 units, but overseas shipments still accounted for the bulk of production. The EU remained the largest destination, taking 62.6% or 30,899 units of exports, with volumes to the bloc rising for a fourth consecutive month by 4.8%, partly offsetting sharp declines in production for the US (-24.1%), China (-47.9%) and Japan (-25.3%), which together accounted for 18.6% of all shipments. Meanwhile, domestic demand strengthened, with car output for the UK up 8.7% to 20,416 units. In the first quarter, car output fell 6.7% to 200,889, mainly reflecting last year’s closure of a major UK plant.
2026-04-30
UK Car Production Drops 10.7% in February
UK car production dropped 10.7% year-on-year to 65,885 units in February 2026, deepening from an 8.2% decline in January, as model changeovers and soft global demand weighed on output. Car exports fell 11.5% to 53,140 units, with overseas shipments still accounting for the bulk of production. The EU remained the largest destination, taking 63.6% of exports, with volumes to the bloc rising 5.3%, partly offsetting sharp declines to the US (-34.3%), China (-66.4%), and Japan (-6.8%). Domestic demand also weakened, with car output for the UK market down 7.5% to 12,745 units. Meanwhile, production of electrified vehicles (BEV, PHEV, and HEV) went down 2.8% to 26,629 units, although their share of total car output increased to 40.4%, signaling a continued shift toward low-emission vehicles despite the broader downturn.
2026-03-27