In October 2025, UK car manufacturing experienced a significant decline, dropping 23.8% compared to the previous year, totaling just 59,010 vehicles. This marked the lowest production level for October since 1952, largely due to a debilitating cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). As the leading car manufacturer in the UK, JLR suffered a major setback when hackers targeted the company in late August, resulting in a five-week suspension of factory operations. The company, owned by India’s Tata Motors, only resumed production at the start of October, having produced no cars during September.
Mike Hawes, the CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), highlighted the widespread impact of the crisis on the industry. He also expressed concern that the government's newly introduced electric vehicle excise duty might further dampen demand. According to SMMT statistics, nearly half of the vehicles produced in October were electrified models, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles. Domestic market production decreased by 10.6%, resulting in 13,785 units, while exports saw a more significant dip, falling 27.1% to 45,225 units.
