British car and van production in the first half of this year has hit its lowest level since 1953, excluding the industry shutdown during Covid.
Car output fell 7.3% in the six months to June while the closure of Vauxhall's Luton van plant helped drive van production down 45%, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows.
Uncertainty over tariffs in the US – the UK industry's second biggest market – meant some firms slowed or stopped production in the first half of this year.
SMMT said the US-UK tariff deal which has since come into effect could help confidence, while the government said its electric vehicle (EV) grants would "boost" the industry.
he SMMT welcomed the EV grants, but it said the new system lacked clarity and had been introduced without consulting the industry.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said the half year production figures were "depressing" but that he hoped that the first half of this year marked "the nadir" for the UK auto industry.
A deal with the US to reduce tariffs from 27.5% to 10% was announced in May came into effect on 30 June, with SMMT recording a small rise in vehicle production in June.
Production of electrified vehicles rose 1.8% with battery, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounting for a record of more than two in five of vehicles produced.
Last week the government confirmed it will reintroduce grants of up to £3,750 on some EVs priced at or below £37,000.
