UK Vehicle Production Jumps 36.3% in September as Output Rebounds From Cyber-Hit Year

London: Britain’s vehicle production rose sharply in September, rebounding from a weak comparison a year earlier when output was disrupted by a cyber incident, according to industry data released on Thursday.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said total UK vehicle output increased by 36.3% to 74,031 units in September, the strongest growth since August 2022. The rise reflected the disruption caused last year by a cyber incident at Britain’s largest automotive employer.

Car production climbed 38.6% to 70,831 units, making it the strongest September for UK car manufacturing since 2023.

The European Union remained the largest export market, accounting for 57.5% of car shipments, with exports to the bloc up 12.7% year on year. Shipments to the United States rose by 234.8%, while exports to China surged 357.7%, albeit from a low base.

Despite the monthly rebound, combined UK car and commercial vehicle production in the first nine months of the year fell 3% year on year to 564,537 units.

Industry Warns of Mounting Pressures

The SMMT reiterated its concerns over the European Union’s proposed “Made in EU” measures and stricter post-Brexit rules of origin set to take effect from 2027. It also warned that Britain’s electric vehicle sales mandate is placing additional strain on manufacturers and could jeopardise the sector’s recovery.

“September’s rebound is welcome, but comparison with last year’s disruption masks the pressures on UK manufacturing,” said SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes. “Mandate targets are running ahead of demand and draining resources required for British factories and jobs.”

An independent forecast cited by the SMMT projects UK light vehicle production to decline by 2.3% to 731,000 units this year, before recovering to 752,000 units in 2027 as new models, most of them electric, enter production.