British car production hit its lowest level in seven decades in 2024—excluding the pandemic years—as the industry faced weak global demand and navigated the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to electric models. The total number of cars manufactured in the UK fell to 780,000, the lowest since 1954, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This decline was influenced by factory shutdowns for electric vehicle retooling, ongoing supply chain issues, and sluggish demand for new cars. The shift in production has also been impacted by decisions such as Stellantis’ move to focus its Ellesmere Port factory on van production instead of cars. When including vans, total UK vehicle production in 2024 reached 905,000—still a 12% decline from the previous year. Jaguar Land Rover, the second-largest UK car producer, paused Jaguar production entirely in preparation for its relaunch as an all-electric brand. Nissan retained its position as the UK’s top car manufacturer, though output at its Sunderland plant fell by 13%. Beyond manufacturing challenges, British carmakers face geopolitical and regulatory uncertainties. Potential tariffs from a second Donald Trump presidency could disrupt exports to the UK’s second-largest market, while domestic policies, like the zero-emission vehicle mandate, are pressuring manufacturers to accelerate EV sales. Industry leaders are calling for government support, including possible loan guarantees to stimulate EV demand. Looking ahead, UK vehicle production is not expected to surpass one million units again until 2028, a stark contrast to the two-million target set in 2017. Political uncertainty following Brexit, the pandemic, and major factory closures—including Stellantis’ plan to shut down its Luton van plant—have left the industry in a challenging position.