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
1,903,054
New cars registered in 2023
790,823
vehicles exported in 2023
905,117
cars built in
2023
780,000
people employed across UK auto
40,500,000
vehicles on uk
roads
120,357
commercial vehicles built in 2024
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. Many of these automotive manufacturing jobs are outside London and the South-East, with wages that are around 13% higher than the UK average. The sector accounts for 12% of total UK exports of goods with more than 140 countries importing UK produced vehicles, generating £115 billion of trade in total automotive imports and exports.
More than 25 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by 2,500 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers.
Over 905,117 cars, 120,357 commercial vehicles and 1.62 million engines were built in the UK in 2023.
Eight out of 10 cars produced in the UK are exported overseas to 140 different 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?
uk automotive manufacturing
1,952,778
New cars registered in 2024
790,823
vehicles exported in 2023
905,117
cars built in
2023
780,000
people employed across UK auto
40,500,000
vehicles on uk
roads
120,357
commercial vehicles built in 2023
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