The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for more than £82 billion turnover and £18.6 billion value added. With some 168,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and 823,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 14.4% of total UK exports and invests £3.75 billion each year in automotive R&D.
In 2018, the UK produced 1.6 million vehicles and 2.72 million engines, and while this represents a fall in production since the most recent peak in 2017, these are still historically high production levels.
The sector is also very broad – with the UK home to the largest number of low-volume and specialist vehicle manufacturers, a broad supply chain, truck and van manufacturers, as well as a thriving aftermarket turning over an annual £21.1 billion