UK car production fell sharply in August, bringing an end to two months of growth, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Just 37,072 cars rolled off production lines, making it the weakest August performance since 1956.

Although August is traditionally the quietest month of the year due to factory shutdowns for maintenance and retooling, this year’s numbers underline the pressure on UK automotive manufacturing – pressures that will inevitably filter down to the independent aftermarket.

Key figures at a glance

• Car output: 37,072 units (down -14.2% on exports, up +11.5% for UK market).
• Commercial vehicles: Production plunged -73.2% to 1,621 units.
• Combined vehicle output: Down -18.2% to 38,693 units.
• Electrified vehicles: Strong growth of +40.9% to 16,830 units, making up 45.4% of all cars built in August.
• Year-to-date: More than 200,000 electrified cars built, but total car output remains -5.9% down.

Despite the overall decline, production of electrified vehicles (EVs, PHEVs, hybrids) continues to surge. Nearly half of all cars produced in August were electrified – the second-highest monthly share ever recorded. Year-to-date volumes now exceed 200,000 units.

While production numbers might feel far removed from the day-to-day running of a local garage, the figures have knock-on effects:

The vehicle mix is changing. With nearly one in two cars built in August being electrified, the aftermarket will soon see a rising proportion of these vehicles entering service and repair cycles.

Although exports fell, cars built for the domestic market rose. This suggests UK garages may start seeing more newer models sooner, particularly electrified ones.

With CV production down more than -70% in August (and -54% year-to-date), fleet replacement cycles could be delayed, meaning garages may need to keep ageing vans and trucks roadworthy for longer.

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes highlighted the sector’s resilience but warned of headwinds, including the cyberattack on Britain’s largest automotive employer, which is expected to affect September’s figures.

He also called for the rapid rollout of the government’s Industrial Strategy and Drive35 initiative to support jobs, growth, and trade.

Despite the immediate challenges, the UK automotive industry remains a heavyweight: it supports nearly 800,000 jobs, contributes over £92 billion in turnover, and is on track to generate more than £110 billion in trade for the third year running.

What independent garages can do now

Upskill on electrified vehicles: The growth in hybrid and EV production is only going one way. Training technicians today is an investment in tomorrow’s customer base.

Plan for mixed fleets: Expect a broader mix of petrol, diesel, hybrid, and full EVs coming through workshop doors for the foreseeable future.

Keep fleets moving: With CV production slumping, many businesses will run vehicles longer – garages that position themselves as reliable partners for fleet maintenance can capture valuable repeat work.

August’s production dip highlights the volatility of the UK automotive sector, but for independent garages the message is clear: electrification is accelerating, fleets are under pressure, and customer needs are changing fast. By staying adaptable, workshops can turn industry-wide challenges into long-term opportunities.