Andrew Bergbaum, Partner and Managing Director, Global Co-Leader (Automotive & Industrial) comments on today’s SMMT UK monthly automotive manufacturing figures:

30 January 2025

“Today’s year-end figures reflect the continuing downturn in UK car manufacturing, highlighting the automotive industry’s struggle throughout 2024. Geopolitical tensions, weak EV demand, and intensifying competition from Chinese imports have all played a role in the recent decline. To complicate matters, high borrowing costs are financially straining manufacturers, as seen with the announced closure of Vauxhall’s Luton plant.”

“Looking to the year ahead, new zero-emission products are still under real pressure, and a lack of significant growth in traditional markets is likely to influence manufacturing outputs. To meet these challenges, greater industry and government collaboration will be essential to boosting consumer demand for British goods, both at home and abroad. While last year saw record EV registrations, the main hurdle now lies in stimulating private demand and accelerating the rollout of charge points.”

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