UK car production falls to lowest level since 1954

Number made fell to 780,000, the lowest for seven decades barring the pandemic, as carmakers battle weak demand and EV transition

British car production fell in 2024 to its lowest level in seven decades - barring the coronavirus pandemic - as the industry struggles with weak demand and prepares to shift away from fossil fuels to electric vehicles.

The number of cars made in the UK fell to 780,000 during the year, the lowest since 1954, except for during the pandemic when first factories were forced to close and then supply chain problems caused shortages of computer chips, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a lobby group.