UK car production rose by 3.2% year-on-year in May 2026 to 49,249 units, reversing a 0.7% decline in April. This was the first monthly increase since December, driven by stronger overseas demand, while domestic output remained broadly stable. The export-led recovery supported overall vehicle manufacturing despite persistent uncertainty over global trade conditions and the impact of tariffs.
Car exports strengthened over the month, with the United States posting the largest gain among major destinations. Shipments to the US surged 83% to 7,733 units, boosted by the implementation of the US–UK trade agreement. By contrast, exports to the European Union, the UK’s largest market, fell 5.2% to 20,057 units, and deliveries to China declined 14% to 2,794 units.
Total UK vehicle production, including all types, increased by 2.7% to 51,178 units. However, commercial vehicle output contracted by 7.6% to 1,929 units.
