UK car production fell by 0.7% year-on-year to 56,135 units in April 2026, following a 0.8% decline in the previous month. The downturn reflected wider model changeovers and ongoing challenges in several key global markets.
Overall car exports contracted by 8.2%. Nonetheless, the EU remained the UK’s largest export destination, accounting for 53.2% of total exports, with shipments to the bloc rising 6.9% to 23,103 units. Exports to the US also increased, up 6.8% to 7,558 units, while exports to China slumped 44.4% to 2,081 units.
Despite the headline decline in exports, overseas demand continued to underpin production, with exports representing 76.4% of total vehicle output in April. A 1.1% rise in cars manufactured for global markets helped offset the fall in shipments, resulting in a 0.8% overall increase in outbound trade.
