UK car production fell in August, breaking a two-month growth run, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Some 37,072 units rolled out of factories in what is traditionally the quietest month of the year, with planned summer shutdowns taking place to enable maintenance and retooling.

The figures come before the cyber-attack on the UK’s largest automotive employer, the effects of which will be evident in September's performance.

Car production for the UK market rose by 11.5% to 7,162 units but was not enough to offset a 14.2% fall in exports. Some 29,910 cars were made for overseas customers in August – representing 80.7% of output.

While overall car output fell, electrified car production rose by 40.9% to 16,830 units, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles accounting for almost half (45.4%) the units produced in August – the second-best share of output for any single month. In the year to date, factories have turned out more than 200,000 of these vehicles, up 3.7% on 2024, although total car output is down -5.9% to 492,009 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “August is always a low volume month due to planned summer maintenance, but the focus is now on September's performance, and the likely impact of the cyber-attack at Britain’s biggest automotive employer.

"Given this incident and the industry’s importance to jobs, growth and trade, rapid delivery of the Industrial Strategy and Drive35 is now critical. The sector is resilient, but SMMT is engaged with members and the government to understand what additional supportive measures may be needed.”