Official figures for 2022 show that UK car production sank to its lowest level in over 60 years with just 775,014 units produced. This is the lowest figure since 1956, when it was the likes of the Morris Minor, Austin Cambridge, Ford Popular, Triumph Mayflower and Standard Vanguard rolling off the production lines. 

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says production dropped by almost 10% compared to 2021, due mainly to the global shortage of semiconductors, but also the knock-on effects of Brexit. 

The figures also reflect the closure of the Honda Swindon plant in 2021 and the decision by Stellantis to move production of the Astra from Ellesmere Port in April 2022.

SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes, said, “These figures reflect just how tough 2022 was for UK car manufacturing, though we still made more electric vehicles than ever before. The potential for this sector to deliver economic growth by building more of these zero-emission models is self-evident; however, we must make the right decisions now.”