A Blueprint for 2030: Driving the Future Together

The roadmap for a competitive, sustainable and growing UK automotive industry

SMMT’s Blueprint for 2030 sets out how the UK automotive sector can deliver economic growth, attract investment, accelerate zero emission mobility and strengthen its position as a leading global manufacturing hub.

The Prize for the UK Automotive Industry

The UK automotive sector is at a pivotal moment. As global competition for investment intensifies and the transition to zero emission mobility accelerates, the decisions taken this decade will determine the industry’s future growth, competitiveness and contribution to the economy.

A Blueprint for 2030: Driving the Future Together sets out a vision for what success could look like by the end of the decade, highlighting the opportunity for the UK to strengthen automotive manufacturing, support a thriving new vehicle market and maintain its position as one of the country’s leading export sectors.

The prize by 2030

• The UK re-established among the world’s leading automotive manufacturing locations, producing one million vehicles a year.
• A thriving new car market of 2.2 million registrations, supporting fleet renewal and the transition to zero emission mobility.
• The UK’s position as a £110 billion-plus automotive trade hub maintained and strengthened through growing export value and international competitiveness.

Tracking Progress Towards 2030

The Blueprint uses a traffic-light framework to assess progress across the areas that will determine the future of the UK automotive industry. These indicators highlight where the UK is making progress and where further action is needed to strengthen competitiveness, attract investment and deliver sustainable growth.

Automotive Manufacturing Competitiveness

The UK has significant strengths in advanced manufacturing, engineering expertise and automotive innovation. Continued progress will depend on maintaining a globally competitive environment for vehicle production, investment and supply chain development.

Trade and Automotive Exports

The automotive sector is one of Britain’s largest export industries. Maintaining open and competitive trading relationships will be critical to supporting future growth and ensuring UK manufacturers can compete successfully in international markets.

The Transition to Zero Emission Mobility

The transition to electric vehicles is reshaping the automotive landscape. Consumer demand, charging infrastructure, investment and supportive market conditions will all play an important role in accelerating the shift to zero emission mobility. Themes such as EV adoption, charging infrastructure and wider automotive decarbonisation continue to be major industry priorities.

Supply Chain Resilience

A resilient and competitive automotive supply chain is essential to future industry success. Strengthening domestic capability and supporting advanced technologies can help improve competitiveness while increasing long-term resilience.

Automotive Innovation and Decarbonisation

Automotive manufacturers are investing heavily in next-generation technologies, digitalisation and sustainable production. Industry trends including electrification, automation and carbon reduction will continue to shape the future of mobility and manufacturing.

Why This Matters

The future of the UK automotive industry matters far beyond the sector itself. Automotive supports jobs, investment, manufacturing capability, international trade and economic growth across every region of the country.

The Blueprint highlights the opportunity to build a more competitive, innovative and sustainable automotive industry by 2030, ensuring the UK remains an attractive destination for investment and a leader in the global transition to zero emission mobility.