Industry Facts
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy and integral to supporting the delivery of the agendas for levelling up, net zero, advancing global Britain, and the plan for growth.
uk automotive at a glance
UK Automotive plays a critical role in the economy and society – keeping Britain on the move. Automotive is a major contributor to the nation’s economic wellbeing, investing in and developing technologies to advance zero emission mobility, and providing well-paid skilled jobs in businesses and their supply-chains in all regions across the UK
2,020,520
New cars registered in 2025
555,826
cars exported
in 2025
717,371
cars built in
2025
796,000
people employed across UK auto
41,964,268
vehicles on uk
roads
47,344
commercial vehicles built in 2025
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy and integral to supporting the delivery of the agendas for levelling up, net zero, advancing global Britain, and the plan for growth. Automotive-related manufacturing contributes £85.4 billion turnoverÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý£18 billion value added to the UK economy, and typically invest around £5.3 billion each year in R&D.
With more than 188,000 people employed in manufacturing and some 830,000 in total across the wider automotive industry, we account for 11.2% of total UK export goods ²µ±ð²Ô±ð°ù²¹³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌý£111 billion of trade.
The UK manufactures almost every type of vehicle, from cars, to vans, taxis, trucks, buses and coaches, as well as specialist and off-highway vehicles, supported by more than 2,500 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers. In addition, the sector has vibrant aftermarket and remanufacturing industries. The automotive industry also supports jobs in other key sectors – including advertising, chemicals, finance, logistics and steel.
Over 717,371Ìý³¦²¹°ù²õ, 47,344 commercial vehiclesÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý1.6 million engines were built in the UK in 2025.
Nearly eight out of 10 cars produced in the UK are exported overseasÌý³Ù´ÇÌýmore than 140 markets worldwide.
From vehicle registrations and production, to international trade, CO2 and electrification,  provides all the latest data and background information on the UK automotive industry.
The 34-page motor industry facts guide is a one-stop shop covering all of the latest statistics relevant to the sector, including answers to questions such as:
- What is the contribution of the sector to the UK economy and jobs?
- How many cars, vans, trucks and engines are built in the UK and where do we build them?
- How much have CO2 emissions fallen?
- How many vehicles are on UK roads?
- How will connected and automated vehicles improve our society?
SMMTUpdate
SMMTUpdate
Sign up to the SMMTUpdate Newsletter for weekly automotive news and data
"*" indicates required fields