BBC News published this article –
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr5vglq04zeo
“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.“
What was happening back in 1953?
- The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
- The first successful summit of Mount Everest
- The end of the Korean War
- The death of Joseph Stalin.
But let’s fast forward. It’s 2025. And British car and van production isn’t what it used to be.
We can explore why. In fact, the BBC do just that.
But here’s my take on it…..
- Lack of Innovation
- Lack of Investment
It hasn’t happened overnight. There has been a slow and steady decline in the UK car and van production.
Yes, I know it’s cheaper to build in the far east.
Yes, I know there’s some of the latest innovation takes place in Silicon Valley, USA.
But you know what, there’s a heritage. There’s some history.
The UK has had investment when it needed. Car manufacturing by Nissan up in Sunderland. There was Honda in Swindon. Vauxhall in Luton. Ford over in Dagenham. But what changed?
Lack of recent investment and innovation.
Look over at China. The cars they’re producing. Good quality at a low cost. You’ve got the Germans who keep investing in their marques. Look over in the USA, with the likes of Tesla and others with their innovation. And what does the UK offer?
Giving EV discounts/grants is not the solution. Yes, it’ll increase sales short term, but what about long term?
We can continue to blame others. We can blame tariffs. We can blame cheap labour. We can blame whomever we want. But it comes to not enough money in the right areas and a massive lack of innovation.
What should happen?
Be proud of the marques and the British car manufacturing heritage. Invest cleverly on what the future looks like for car manufacturing. Innovate so we are world leaders in car manufacturing.
But there’s other factors that are probably making driving not as fun as it used to be.
Look at the state of the roads.
Look at the number of speed cameras (in areas where they don’t really need to be – autobahn anyone?)
Look at the cost of driving lessons.
Look how long it takes to take a driving test.
Look at the cost of cars!
Need to really deep dive into the various factors that have resulted in the UK producing a low number of cars and vans.