British auto production has fallen to its lowest level in April since 1952
The UK’s auto industry suffered its worst April in more than 70 years, with new figures showing a sharp decline in auto production highlighting the challenges facing the industry.
Last month, UK auto production fell 8.9% with only 56,500 cars rolling off production lines, the worst in April since 1952, not including closures during the COVID pandemic, according to the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Meanwhile, commercial vehicle production collapsed 68% year-on-year, down from 8,500 to just 2,600 vans.
The worst start for the year for the UK auto industry since the 2009 global financial crisis. In the first four months of 2025, UK automobile production fell to more than 4% to 284,000 units, while commercial vehicle production fell by 35% and truck exports fell by 75%.
SMMT attributed the downturn to various factors, including the late Easter holiday, disrupting supply chains, the closure of the Luton factory in Stellantis (formerly Vauxhall Vans was established) and uncertainty related to President Trump’s gradual escalation of trade with China and the European Union.
Currently, the UK plants are producing at just 767,000 per year (less than the location during the pandemic), and the industry is now almost half as high as its former egg bank level. These include the establishment of major factory brands such as Nissan, Mini, Toyota, Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Range Rover, all of which reported lower production in April.
SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said the data should serve as a “wake call” for the minister. “With the toughest start in the automotive manufacturing industry since 2009, urgent actions are needed to increase domestic demand and our international competitiveness,” he warned.
He acknowledged the recent trade breakthroughs – including terms increase with the EU, the US and India – but said long-term success will depend on greater investment support and policy certainty. “To take advantage of these trading opportunities, we must obtain additional investment, which will depend on competitiveness and confidence, which is provided by a comprehensive and innovative long-term industrial strategy.”
The collapse of commercial vehicle production was largely due to Stellantis’ decision to merge operations at the port of Ellesmere, focusing on smaller electric models. The transition, while intended to support the UK’s EV future, left a production vacuum in the short term. As manufacturers compete for re-engineering facilities for zero-emission vehicle production before the incoming regulations and market demand shifts, this is a broader industry trend.
Hoth stressed that the UK’s risk lags behind global competitors without a strategy to attract investment and stimulate demand for electric vehicles. “Right, employment, economic growth and decarbonization will flow throughout the UK.”
When the industry involves complex challenges of electrification, trade volatility and rising input costs, many manufacturers warn that the current decline could be deeply rooted without government support and clear directions.
