Tom Beard, Partner at AlixPartners (Automotive & Industrials), comments on today’s UK monthly automotive manufacturing figures

“Today’s SMMT figures once again underscore the mounting pressures facing the UK automotive manufacturing sector. Recent cyberattacks – some severe enough to fully halt production – expose just how quickly risks beyond trade policy and cost pressures can disrupt operations and reverberate across the wider industry. In addition, consumer demand is softening as customers contend with affordability and ongoing uncertainty over the transition from ICE to EV. This added complexity compounds the challenges manufacturers already face in navigating supply chain disruption.

“For the UK to remain competitive, manufacturers will need to strengthen operational resilience by fortifying cyber defences and improving supply chain flexibility and contingency planning. At the same time, the government must play its part by accelerating clarity on EV incentives, supporting suppliers through disruption, and creating the stability required to unlock new investment. Without action, the UK risks falling further behind its international peers in its recovery to pre-pandemic levels.”