SMMT Reports

SMMT Motor Industry Facts 2023

SMMT Motor 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. Automotive-related manufacturing contributes £67 billion turnover and £14 billion value added to the UK economy, and typically invest around £3 billion each year in R&D.

With more than 182,000 people employed in manufacturing and some 780,000 in total across the wider automotive industry, we account for 10% of total UK exports with more than 132 countries importing UK produced vehicles, generating £77 billion of trade.

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 775,014 cars, 101,600 commercial vehicles and 1.5 million engines were built in the UK in 2022.

Eight out of 10 cars produced in the UK are exported overseas to more than 130 different markets worldwide.

UK Automotive Industry at a glance

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 41-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 by since 2000?
  • How many vehicles are on UK roads?
  • How will connected and automated vehicles improve our society?

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SMMT Motor Industry Facts 2023