UK Vehicle Production Rebounds After Cyber Incident Disruptions

• •UK vehicle production increased by 36.3% in September 2026 compared to September 2025.
• •The rebound follows a cyber incident that disrupted production at the UK's largest automotive employer.
• •Total vehicle production for the first nine months of 2026 fell by 3% year-on-year.

In September 2026, UK vehicle production surged by 36.3% compared to the same month in 2025, recovering from disruptions caused by a cyber incident affecting the automotive sector. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that car production rose 38.6%, marking the highest output for September since 2023. Despite this rebound, total production for the first nine months of 2026 fell by 3% year-on-year, totaling 564,537 units. The SMMT highlighted ongoing challenges, including the EU's proposed 'Made in EU' measures and the UK's electric vehicle sales mandate, which could strain resources. Exports to the EU, US, and China saw significant increases, but concerns remain about the industry's long-term recovery. An independent forecast predicts a 2.3% decline in UK light vehicle production for 2026, with a potential recovery in 2027 as new electric models are introduced.