Electrified vehicle production has risen by 38.5% – more than twice the rate of total production – to 31,661 units, to account for almost half of all UK car output (45.0%).
The figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also reveal that overall car and commercial vehicle production rose by 17.1% to 79,018 units last month.
Car manufacturing grew for the first time in 12 months, driven by robust export demand that increased by 30.6%, with almost three quarters (73.3%) of output shipped overseas. But production for the UK market fell by 6.1%.
The EU continued to be the largest destination for UK car exports, accounting for 57.2% of all shipments. Ahead of the introduction of new tariffs, the US remained the second largest export market, comprising 15.0% of exports, followed by China (8.5%), Turkey (2.7%) and Japan (2.6%).
Exports to all top five markets rose for the month, with the EU up by 28.9%, the US 36.1%, China 86.0%, Turkey 272.1% and Japan 91.8%.
CV production also rose, up by 8.2% to 8,700 units. As in previous months, CV growth was driven by domestic demand, which rose by 77.9% to 5,218 units. Conversely, exports fell by 31.8% to comprise just 40.0% of output. The EU remains the sector’s largest market by far, accounting for 94.2% of exports in the month.
The latest independent outlook – compiled ahead of rapidly changing trading conditions with the US – estimates that light vehicle production will fall 7.8% in 2025 to 818,200 units, before rising slightly by 1.2% in 2026 to 827,700 units. But the SMMT said with a “favourable government strategy”, it could rise to 834,900 units and set the industry on the path for further growth.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“A March uplift to manufacturing is overdue good news, although the performance was boosted by a comparatively weaker month last year, when holiday timings and product changeovers combined to reduce output. With the lastquarter showing demand for British-built cars rising overseas, navigating the new era of trade uncertainty is now the major challenge.
“Government has rightly recognised automotive manufacturing’s critical role in Britain’s export economy and must now show urgency and creativity to deliver a deal that supports our competitiveness, spurs domestic demand for the latest cleanest vehicles, and helps factory lines flourish.”
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