During the first six months of 2025, UK car and van production plummeted to its lowest level since 1953. According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), car production witnessed a year-on-year decline of 7.3%, while van production experienced a stark drop of 45% (excluding pandemic-related factory shutdowns). Local media attributed this significant decline primarily to the uncertainty generated by US tariff policies, which prompted some factories to reduce or cease production.