UK automotive production plummeted in October, with car and commercial vehicle output dropping 30.9% to 62,116 units. Car production fell 23.8% to 59,010 units, while commercial vehicle manufacturing tumbled 74.9% to 3,106 units. On a positive note, nearly half of all cars built were electrified models, with 27,287 units produced.

Despite the decline, the UK government announced measures to support manufacturers in the Autumn Budget, including a £1.5 billion increase in Automotive Transformation Fund support. However, industry leaders raised concerns about new tax measures, such as the introduction of a pay-per-mile electric vehicle tax, which could suppress EV demand and hinder the industry’s growth.

Year-to-date, UK factories have produced 644,366 vehicles, down 17% from the same period in 2024. While the latest outlook predicts a return to growth in 2026, with output expected to reach 828,000 units, challenges remain. The SMMT cautioned that October’s data may be revised and the industry faces uncertainties moving forward.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: UK Auto Production Plunges 31% as Cyberattack and Weak Exports Bite