UK production topped one million vehicles last year for the first time since before the pandemic.
According to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 905,117 cars and 120,357 commercial vehicles were produced in 2023 for a combined total of 1,025,474.
Figures were boosted by a strong performance in December, when car production jumped by 20.7% year on year, and commercial vehicle volumes were up 80.3%.
Taking the year as a whole, car production rose 16.8% for a combined retail value of more than £50bn.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Receding supply chain challenges, new model introductions and a massive £23.7bn of investment put UK vehicle production firmly back on track in 2023. Industry will now focus on the delivery of these commitments, transitioning the sector at pace to electric and scaling up the supply chain. With global competition as fierce as it has ever been and amid escalating geopolitical tensions, both government and industry must remain singularly focused on competitiveness, with all the jobs and growth this will bring. We are in a much better position than a year ago, but the challenges are unrelenting.”
