Car production in UK slides to lowest level for seven decades

British car production fell to its lowest level in seven decades in 2024, barring the coronavirus pandemic, as the industry struggles with weak demand and prepares to shift away from fossil fuels to electric vehicles.

- Jasper Jolly

The number of cars made in the UK fell to 780,000 during the year, the lowest since 1954, except for during the pandemic when first factories were forced to close and then supply chain problems caused shortages of computer chips, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a lobby group.

Mike Hawes, the SMMT's chief executive, said the decline was partly down to factories pausing while they switched to electric production.

However, he added that the industry is still struggling with weak global demand, and slower-than-expected growth in electric car sales.