Car production in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in 72 years
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In the first half of 2025, the production of cars and trucks in the UK decreased by 12% to 417,200 units. This is the worst figure since 1953, excluding the Covid pandemic. About writes The Guardian.

The main reason for the decline is the 25% duty on auto exports to the US imposed by the administration Donald Trump.

As a result, British manufacturers of premium brands such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Jaguar Land Rover were forced to temporarily suspend supplies to the United States back in April.

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"It was one of the most difficult periods for the British automotive industry"mike Howes, executive director of the Society of Automobile Manufacturers and Traders, said.

According to him, the industry hopes that the current decline is the lowest point before the recovery begins.

At the same time, British automakers are making the transition from gasoline and diesel cars to electric vehicles amid uncertain sales.

According to a new agreement between Washington and London, starting in late June, the country can export up to 100,000 cars a year to the US at a reduced duty of 10%.

However, Howes emphasized that this quota will only allow to maintain current export volumes, and new negotiations with the United States are needed to increase them.

Amid the difficult situation, the UK government has announced subsidies for the purchase of electric cars of up to £3,750. These payments will only apply to cars costing up to £37,000, and only if they meet strict carbon emission requirements.

This means that most imported electric cars from China or South Korea are not eligible for subsidies, and manufacturers cannot figure out which models will be selected.

According to the latest estimates, only 755,000 cars will be produced in Britain by the end of 2025, 60,000 fewer than expected in April.