Automotive reports

SMMT’s latest vehicle manufacturing figures show the UK sector remains under intense pressure, with vehicle output down -7.5% in first half of the year. After a tough start, however, production steadied in Q2, down just 128 units as car production returned to marginal growth and exports grew. These are early but encouraging signs of stabilisation, showing that, with the right conditions, the industry can still recover and grow. That matters because this is exactly the type of sector Britain needs to reindustrialise: high value manufacturing, skilled jobs, strong exports, advanced supply chains and deep regional roots.