UK car manufacturing fell sharply in August, and the industry faces deeper trouble after a cyberattack forced Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) to shut all three UK plants.
Industry data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed production dropped 18.2% year-on-year to 38,693 vehicles, a month already affected by summer maintenance closures. Attention is now turning to September output, with JLR’s four-week shutdown likely to weigh heavily on the industry and supply chains.
JLR, Britain’s biggest carmaker and automotive employer, produces about 1,000 vehicles a day. Its halted operations have raised concerns over jobs and broader economic impacts. The SMMT said it is in talks with government over potential support measures.
While overall volumes fell, production of electrified vehicles rose 40.9%, with hybrids, plug-ins and BEVs making up nearly half of August’s output. Still, exports remain under pressure, with overseas production down 14.2% amid US tariff threats and competition from China.
