UK vehicle production dips in April amid global market strains

• Reuters

• Published On May 28, 2026 at 07:20 PM IST

The SMMT CEO warned that the EU’s “Made in Europe” policy poses a significant threat to British carmakers.

“>

UK auto production fell 1.2 per cent year-on-year in April as a drop in commercial vehicle output and weak exports to China weighed on the industry, data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on Thursday showed.

“April’s figures suggest production ‌is stabilising, ⁠albeit at reduced ⁠levels, when the ambition remains to grow the sector,” SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said.

High energy and raw material costs as well as uncertainty over trade relations with the EU – Britain’s largest auto export market – has weighed on UK carmakers.

Hawes also warned that the bloc’s ⁠proposed “Made in ‌Europe” policy, which would mandate sourcing components locally for electric vehicles, poses a “clear and present danger” ⁠to Britain’s auto industry as it would cut access to crucial fleet sales in the EU.

“The forthcoming EU-UK Summit must address these issues and deliver solutions that safeguard our mutual competitiveness and growth,” Hawes said.

Total UK vehicle production fell to 58,513 units in April, according to the trade body, with ‌car output broadly stable for a second consecutive month and commercial vehicle volumes declining.

April car exports to the European Union ⁠rose 6.9 per cent year-on-year to 23,103 units, shipments to the United States increased 6.8 per cent, while exports to China slumped 44.4 per cent.

Car output edged down 0.7 per cent to 56,135 units, while commercial vehicle production fell 10.9 per cent to 2,378 units, the smallest drop in 13 months as the impact of a major van plant closure faded.