The UK car industry has just hit a shocking milestone — the lowest vehicle production for April since 1952. That’s over 70 years ago! While a lot of factors are at play, this massive drop is raising eyebrows and concerns across the motor trade, government, and businesses that rely on vehicles to keep moving.
In this post, we’ll explore what’s behind the slump in UK car production, what it means for fleet and business vehicle operators, and how Fleet Service GB can help keep your vehicles roadworthy during uncertain times.
What’s Going on With UK Car Manufacturing?
April 2025: The Worst Month Since 1952
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), only 59,203 vehicles were produced in the UK in April 2025. That’s a 15.8% drop compared to April last year and the slowest start to a year since 2009.
What Caused the Drop?
A few key reasons:
- Late Easter meant fewer working days
- Model changeovers disrupted production lines
- Demand dropped in key export markets like the EU and US
- US tariffs caused chaos for carmakers like Jaguar Land Rover
- Vauxhall’s Luton plant closure hit van production hard
Car production dropped by 8.6%, while commercial vehicle output (mainly vans) fell a staggering 68.6%. Even domestic production wasn’t spared, falling 3.3% for cars and over 54% for vans.
What This Means for Businesses and Fleets
With production down, there may be delays in vehicle deliveries, higher costs, and a shortage of certain models. For fleet operators, this makes vehicle maintenance and management more important than ever.
How Fleet Service GB Can Help
At Fleet Service GB, we understand how critical your vehicles are to your business. Whether you operate a handful of vans or a national fleet, our Driver and Fleet Management solutions are designed to keep you moving.
Our Services Include:
- Proactive vehicle maintenance scheduling and tracking
- Real-time driver behaviour monitoring to reduce wear and tear
- Compliance management to keep you legally roadworthy
- 24/7 support through our dedicated team
In times when vehicle availability is uncertain, making the most of your current fleet is the smart move — and we’re here to help you do just that.
Industry Outlook: Is There Hope?
There are some positive signs on the horizon. New UK trade deals with the US and the recent challenges stateside to the actual concept of tariffs and their legality, with trading conditions with the EU, and India having been agreed as well as the government introducing new EV support measures. While we’re not out of the woods, experts suggest the industry could start to stabilise by summer 2025.
Still, uncertainty remains, especially with consumer confidence and changing government policies around electric vehicles (EVs).
FAQs About UK Car Production and Fleet Service GB
Why has UK car production dropped so much?
A combination of trade tariffs, plant closures, model changes, and low global demand have hit production hard. It’s the lowest April since 1952, excluding the Covid-hit 2020.
When will UK car manufacturing recover?
Experts say late 2025 may show signs of recovery, especially with new trade deals and more clarity on EV policies. But full recovery will depend on investment and government support.
What’s happening with van production?
Van production suffered a 68.6% drop in April, mainly due to the closure of Vauxhall’s Luton plant. This has had a knock-on effect on commercial fleets and delivery services.
How can I keep my vehicles roadworthy during production delays?
Routine maintenance and driver behaviour monitoring are key. Use a fleet management provider like Fleet Service GB to stay ahead of issues, reduce downtime, and avoid costly breakdowns.
What does Fleet Service GB offer?
We offer a full suite of Driver and Fleet Management services, including maintenance scheduling, compliance, driver safety tools, and real-time support — all tailored to help you manage your fleet efficiently.
Final Thoughts
With UK car production at its lowest in over 70 years, it’s more important than ever to keep your current vehicles in top shape. Don’t wait for problems to pile up. Take action now.
Let Fleet Service GB support your business with driver and fleet management solutions that save time, reduce costs, and give you peace of mind.
