UK car production dropped 0.7% year-on-year to a four-month low of 56,135 units in April 2026, following a 0.8% decline in the previous month, reflecting broader model changeovers amid challenges in several key global markets. Meanwhile, car exports shrank 8.2%, although the EU remained the largest destination, accounting for 53.2% of exports, with shipments to the bloc rising 6.9% to 23,103 units. Exports also grew to the US, rising 6.8% to 7,558 units, but plunged to China, slumping 44.4% to 2,081 units. However, exports continued to drive production, accounting for 76.4% of all vehicle output in the month. A 1.1% rise in cars produced for global markets offset the decline in shipments, resulting in an overall 0.8% increase in outbound trade. Meanwhile, domestic car output for the UK fell 6.4% to 12,700 units. In the first four months of the year, car output dropped 5.4% to 257,024 units.