---
source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT)
url: https://www.smmt.co.uk/vehicle-production-down-again-amid-weak-global-demand/
document_type: html
date_retrieved: 2026-03-27
period: February 2026
parent_publication: UK New Vehicle Manufacturing
indicators_covered: [Car Production YoY, Vehicle production, Car output, CV volumes, Car exports]
---

# Vehicle production down again amid weak global demand

UK vehicle production fell -17.2% in February, with 68,061 units leaving factories, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Output comprised 65,885 cars (down -10.7%) and 2,176 commercial vehicles (-74.0%) as export demand in markets outside Europe remained weak, model changeovers impacted output and CV volumes continued to be affected by a major plant restructuring.

### UK New Vehicle Manufacturing: February 2026

#### Total vehicle manufacturing
| Category | Feb-25 | Feb-26 | % Change | YTD 2025 | YTD 2026 | % Change |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Production** | 82,183 | 68,061 | -17.2% | 160,195 | 135,476 | -15.4% |
| **Home** | 18,406 | 13,615 | -26.0% | 35,019 | 28,597 | -18.3% |
| **Export** | 63,777 | 54,446 | -14.6% | 125,176 | 106,879 | -14.6% |
| **% export** | 77.6% | 80.0% | | 78.1% | 78.9% | |

#### Car manufacturing
| Category | Feb-25 | Feb-26 | % Change | YTD 2025 | YTD 2026 | % Change |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Total** | 73,814 | 65,885 | -10.7% | 144,918 | 131,134 | -9.5% |
| **Home** | 13,780 | 12,745 | -7.5% | 27,744 | 26,625 | -4.0% |
| **Export** | 60,034 | 53,140 | -11.5% | 117,174 | 104,509 | -10.8% |
| **% export** | 81.3% | 80.7% | | 80.9% | 79.7% | |

#### CV manufacturing
| Category | Feb-25 | Feb-26 | % Change | YTD 2025 | YTD 2026 | % Change |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Total** | 8,369 | 2,176 | -74.0% | 15,277 | 4,342 | -71.6% |
| **Home** | 4,626 | 870 | -81.2% | 7,275 | 1,972 | -72.9% |
| **Export** | 3,743 | 1,306 | -65.1% | 8,002 | 2,370 | -70.4% |
| **% export** | 44.7% | 60.0% | | 52.4% | 54.6% | |

### Key Market Trends
*   **Exports:** Exports of cars and CVs were down -11.5% and -65.1%, to 53,140 and 1,306 units respectively, though production for overseas buyers still accounted for the majority (80.0%) of total vehicle output.
*   **Major Markets:** The EU remained the largest global market for UK plants, taking 63.6% of car exports and 88.9% of CV shipments.
*   **Export Destinations:** While car exports to the EU rose 5.3%, demand in the US, China and Japan fell, by -34.3%, -66.4% and -6.8% respectively.
*   **Domestic Demand:** Car output for British buyers was down too, declining -7.5% to 12,745 units while CV production for the UK also fell steeply, by -81.2%, down to just 870 units.
*   **Electrified Vehicles:** Production of battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) cars fell -2.8% to 26,629 units, although they accounted for an improved 40.4% of car output.

### Global Outlook and Challenges
The news comes amid fresh global turmoil, notably in the Middle East, and with the UK sector facing additional pressure from ‘Made in the EU’ proposals set out in the European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act. As drafted, they would discriminate against UK-made vehicles and components – damaging a trading relationship worth almost £70 billion annually and potentially breaching the EU-UK Trade Cooperation Agreement – the Brexit deal – which all parties worked so hard to secure in 2020.

Governments must work together to extend full, trusted partner status to the UK automotive sector to ensure choice and affordability for consumers, particularly of zero emission vehicles, on both sides of the Channel. It would also drive economic growth and security across the UK and Europe, supporting rather than risking jobs and improving industrial competitiveness amid multiple global headwinds.

### SMMT Perspective
**Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive:**
"Another decline for UK vehicle production and exports is extremely worrying, given these figures pre-date the crisis in the Middle East. While the sector has made efforts to build resilience into its logistics and supply chains post Covid, the conflict adds further strain. Now more than ever we must focus on our industrial competitiveness by driving down energy costs, backing our suppliers, supporting our domestic market and securing free and fair trade with Europe."

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**Notes to editors**
*   The next release will be published on Thursday 30 April 2026.
*   BEV, HEV & PHEV share of car output in February 2025 – 37.1%.