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 £93 billion turnover and £22 billion value added to the UK economy, and typically invest around £4 billion each year in R&D.
With more than 198,000 people employed in manufacturing and some 813,000 in total across the wider automotive industry, we account for 12% of total UK export goods generating £47 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 905,117 cars, 120,357 commercial vehicles and 1.6 million engines were built in the UK in 2023.
Eight out of 10 cars produced in the UK are exported overseas to more than 140 markets worldwide.
From vehicle registrations and production, to international trade, CO2 and electrification, SMMT’s Motor Industry Facts 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?
