Shock as UK car production ‘at its lowest level since 1953’

CAR production in Britain has plunged to its lowest level in 72 years, apart from the industry’s 2020 Covid shutdown.

- By Jessica Coates

Output fell 7.3% in the first six months of this year, while van and other commercial vehicle production fell by 45.4%, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said.

Some manufacturing slowed or halted amid uncertainty about the world economy and earlier threats of US tariffs.

However, a new trade deal struck between PM Sir Keir Starmer and US president Donald Trump will become a “basis for future growth”, the SMMT believes.