"Labour aims to have 1.3m vehicles rolling off production lines by 2035, a central ambition of its industrial strategy. That would nearly double the 764,715 cars and vans made in 2025, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). UK vehicle production slumped 15.5% in 2025 compared with the previous year, hitting its lowest point since 1952 apart from during Covid-19 lockdowns."
"Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said to hit that target the UK would need to keep what you've got, grow what you've got, and then also try and attract some additional inward investment To get to 1.3 [million] you kind of need a new plant. Starmer arrived in China for his three-day visit to Beijing and Shanghai on Wednesday, alongside a delegation that included executives including from carmakers Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and McLaren, and Octopus Energy, one of the biggest owners of electric cars."
"Hawes pointed to the trip as a potential catalyst for new investment, adding: In terms of who is expanding their production globally, it's the Chinese. There is dialogue taking place. Hawes called it the toughest year in a generation after the industry was buffeted by US trade tariffs, turmoil at Nissan and a cyber-attack that crippled production at JLR in August and September."
Labour targets 1.3 million vehicles produced annually by 2035, nearly double 2025 output of 764,715 cars and vans. UK vehicle production fell 15.5% in 2025, its lowest level since 1952 aside from Covid-19 lockdowns. Achieving 1.3 million requires retaining and expanding current capacity and attracting significant inward investment, likely including a new large assembly plant. Chinese manufacturers are viewed as the most likely investors for UK EV plants, and trade engagement with China is seen as a potential catalyst. Industry setbacks in 2025 included US tariffs, Nissan turmoil and a JLR cyber-attack, while EV production rose to 41.7%.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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