UK total vehicle production slips in April as domestic demand weakens

(Alliance News) - UK total vehicle manufacturing declined slightly in April as weaker domestic demand outweighed a slight increase in export demand, an industry body reported Thursday.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders said total vehicle production in the UK fell 1.2% to 58,513 units in April from 59,203 units during the same month a year earlier.

Although the total number of vehicles manufactured for the export market grew 0.8% to 44,678 units from 44,326 units, the total of vehicles manufactured for the domestic market declined 7.0% to 13,835 units from 14,877 units.

As a result, the proportion of vehicles manufactured for the export market has risen to 76.4% of the total from 74.9% previously.

The report further revealed that total car manufacturing fell 0.7% to 56,135 units from 56,534 units, while total commercial vehicle manufacturing saw a sharper decline of 11% to 2,378 units from 2,669 units.

According to the SMMT, the EU continued to be the top global destination for UK made cars, with the bloc accounting for 53% of exports, with shipments up 6.9% at 23,103 units.

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes commented: "April's figures suggest production is stabilising, albeit at reduced levels, when the ambition remains to grow the sector. UK manufacturers still face high costs, notably in energy, and uncertainty in the trading relationship with key trading markets.

"More serious is the UK sector's carve out from the EU's 'Made in Europe' proposals which, coupled with tougher rules of origin requirements from next year, risk undermining the industry on both sides. The forthcoming EU-UK Summit must address these issues and deliver solutions that safeguard our mutual competitiveness and growth."

Total vehicle production was down 11% year-to-date through April at 266,601 units, versus 298,416 units over the same period in 2025.

By Elijah Dale, Alliance News senior reporter Asia-Pacific

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