UK car production falls in August as cyberattack threatens September

UK car production fell 10.2% in August, with factories rolling out 37,072 cars, down from 41,271 in the same month a year earlier and 69,127 in July, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Combined UK vehicle production dropped 18.2% to 38,693 units, the weakest August figure since 1956, as the sector winds down during the traditional summer shutdown. The month follows a two‑month run of growth linked to a UK trade deal with the United States and stronger demand for models built at home.

August results also showed a continued heaviness in commercial vehicle output, which tumbled 73.2% to 1,621 units after a July decline of 81.1%. Car output for the UK market rose 11.5% to 7,162 units, while exports fell 14.2%. In total, 29,910 cars were made for overseas customers in August, representing 80.7% of output.

Electric vehicle production offered a brighter note, rising 40.9% to 16,830 units in August. Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles accounted for 45.4% of August output, the second-best share of the year. For the year to date, factories have produced more than 200,000 electrified vehicles, up 3.7% on 2024, while total car output is down 5.9% to 492,009 units. Year-to-date CV output remains deeply depressed, down 54.4% to 35,922 units.

The August results come ahead of the impact of a cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover, Britain’s largest automotive employer, which forced a factory shutdown extended to at least 1 October. The attack risks disrupting the supply chain and could weigh on September manufacturing figures. JLR has reported potential losses in the vicinity of £2 billion. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said August is a low-volume month due to maintenance, but the sector will be watching September closely and remains in dialogue with government to determine any additional support measures.

Overall, the SMMT notes that the UK automotive sector faces a challenging environment, with soft demand in the EU, ongoing cost pressures, model transitions and slow economic growth. The group says the industry remains resilient but requires policy and operational support to navigate the headwinds.