xports are a major driver of UK vehicle production, with nearly 80% of cars manufactured for international markets.
The top three destinations for UK-made vehicles in 2024 were:
- European Union – 54.0% (decline of 24.3%)
- United States – 16.9% (growth of 38.5%)
- China – 6.6% (decline of 21.8%)
While exports to the EU and China dropped significantly, shipments to the US surged, reinforcing the importance of stable trade agreements to maintain and expand market access. Other key export markets included Turkey, Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, the UAE, and Israel.
A temporary dip in EV production
Despite heavy investments in electrification, UK manufacturers saw a temporary decline in EV production. The output of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) fell by 20.4% to 275,896 units. However, they still accounted for 35.4% of total production—the second-highest on record.
Industry investments remain strong, with US$24.8bn pledged in 2023 and an additional US$4.35bn in 2024 to bolster the UK’s EV manufacturing capabilities. Analysts predict a rebound as new EV models and battery production facilities come online.
