UK vehicle making hits lowest level since 1953, excluding Covid

British car and van production in the first half of this year has hit its lowest level since 1953, excluding the industry shutdown during Covid.

Car output fell 7.3% in the six months to June while the closure of Vauxhall's Luton van plant helped drive van production down 45%, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows.

Uncertainty over tariffs in the US – the UK industry's second biggest market – meant some firms slowed or stopped production in the first half of this year.

SMMT said the US-UK tariff deal which has since come into effect could help confidence, while the government said its electric vehicle (EV) grants would "boost" the industry.

The SMMT welcomed the EV grants, but it said the new system lacked clarity and had been introduced without consulting the industry.