Updated
Updated · investinglive.com · Jun 24
UK Vehicle Output Rises 2.7% to 51,178 as US Shipments Jump 83.1%
Updated
Updated · investinglive.com · Jun 24

UK Vehicle Output Rises 2.7% to 51,178 as US Shipments Jump 83.1%

3 articles · Updated · investinglive.com · Jun 24

Summary

  • 51,178 vehicles were built in the UK in May, up 2.7% year on year and ending four straight monthly declines, with car output rising 3.2% while commercial vehicle production fell 7.6%.
  • An 83.1% surge in shipments to the United States drove the rebound, but the industry body said the spike likely reflects tariff front-running rather than stronger underlying demand.
  • Exports to the EU fell 5.2% and to China 14.3%, leaving total UK vehicle output for January-May down 8.7% at 317,779 units.
  • SMMT said weak EV demand, rising compliance costs and high energy prices are straining competitiveness, jobs and investment.
  • From 2027, stricter post-Brexit rules of origin and the EU's proposed "Made in EU" framework could further threaten access to Britain's largest vehicle export market.

Insights

Squeezed by EU rules and cheaper Chinese EVs, is the UK's electric car dream already over?
Can Britain's auto industry survive the EU's looming 2027 'Made in EU' rules?