Britain's auto production hits lowest May level since 1949: report

The report noted significant reductions in vehicle exports to Britain's two largest overseas markets in the month: shipments to the European Union (EU) fell by 22.5 percent, while exports to the United States plunged by 55.4 percent.

LONDON, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Britain's automotive output dropped to its lowest May level since 1949, with new figures released Friday revealing a continued contraction in the country's vehicle manufacturing sector for the fifth straight month.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), total automotive production in May plummeted by 32.8 percent year-on-year, amounting to just 49,810 units. The decline was primarily attributed to ongoing model changeovers, plant restructuring, and the effects of U.S. tariffs on car imports.

The report noted significant reductions in vehicle exports to Britain's two largest overseas markets in the month: shipments to the European Union (EU) fell by 22.5 percent, while exports to the United States plunged by 55.4 percent. The U.S. market share of British car exports continued to erode prior to the recent agreement secured by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration with Washington, a key step in stabilizing trade with the UK's largest single export destination for automobiles.

Despite the severe contraction, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes expressed cautious optimism.

"While 2025 has proved to be an incredibly challenging year for British automotive production, there are early signs of hope," Hawes said, citing trade deals with the United States and industrial strategies that recognize the sector's role in economic growth.

Hawes emphasized the need for swift implementation of policies to reduce industrial energy costs, citing them as a continuing threat to the sector's international competitiveness. ■