SMMT’s Blueprint for 2030 sets out how the UK automotive industry can deliver zero emission mobility, strengthen global competitiveness and drive long-term economic growth. The roadmap outlines the policies, investment and collaboration needed to support the transition to electric vehicles and secure the UK’s position as a leading automotive manufacturing hub.
This State of the Automotive Nation report comes at a pivotal moment for the UK industry. One year on from the introduction of the Modern Industrial Strategy and Trade Strategy, it is right to take stock. The direction of travel is positive, but the context has become more complex and more volatile over the past 12 months.
Against that challenging environment both domestically and internationally, the priority is clear: a continued focus on strengthening British competitiveness. This requires action on the factors within the UK’s control, alongside close collaboration with partners and industry to navigate the external pressures and uncertainties that will shape the remainder of this decade and beyond. Clear policy direction and timely delivery remain essential in the face of ongoing economic and trade headwinds.
UK automotive blueprint for 2030
The Modern Industrial Strategy represents a strong starting point, and progress has been made in several areas. However, further action is required. The gap between ambition and delivery must narrow if the UK is to secure a competitive advantage in an increasingly interventionist and protectionist global market. For automotive, this means accelerating progress across three core pillars: manufacturing competitiveness and supply chain resilience, fair and open trade, and a sustainable pathway to decarbonisation.
Refining policies that currently constrain investment and innovation will help support a globally competitive manufacturing base, alongside a growing and increasingly zero-emission domestic market. Progress across these pillars will strengthen the UK’s ability to secure jobs, deliver on climate ambitions and drive long-term economic growth.
This report sets out a blueprint for policymakers, highlighting the areas most in need of attention. With the right conditions in place, success can be measured against three key outcomes by 2030:
- The UK firmly re-established among the world’s top 15 automotive manufacturing locations, producing one million vehicles a year and supporting high-value jobs across the country.
- A thriving new car market of 2.2 million units, accelerating decarbonisation, fleet renewal and placing production volumes on a sustainable trajectory towards 2035.
- The UK’s position as a £110 billion-plus automotive trade hub maintained, increasing the value of exports and reinforcing automotive as one of the country’s leading export sectors.
Put simply, a strong automotive sector supports a strong UK economy. Given its deep integration across supply chains and markets, this also reinforces the sector’s importance to Europe. The Modern Industrial Strategy aims to unlock the UK’s advanced manufacturing potential; the focus now is on accelerating delivery to secure long-term success.
