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Automotive

The automotive industry is a pivotal part of the UK manufacturing sector. Automotive firms are leaders in global best practice in many areas of manufacturing and provide a key source of improvement for the UK manufacturing sector as a whole. Altogether seven global automotive companies manufacture cars in the UK, together with a number of truck, van and bus companies and many of the world's major component manufacturers. The UK is home to the world's most successful motorsport industry and a number of leading independent automotive design firms, and is increasingly becoming a centre for engine production.

Automotive businesses are leaders in many areas of manufacturing, purchasing, product development and logistics. Major inward investors have brought with them world best practice and the skills and knowledge of the industry provide a key source for improvement across the UK manufacturing sector as a whole.

The automotive manufacturing sector contributes around £10 billion value-added to the economy, and accounts for 1.1% of GDP, 6.9% of manufacturing value-added and 11% of total UK manufactured exports. Some 210,000 people are employed in the design and manufacture of vehicles and components, and a further 570,000 in the motor trades which supply, service and repair vehicles in the UK.

In 2006, 1.4 million cars and around 208,000 commercial vehicles were produced in the UK. Of these, 77% of the cars and 66% of the commercial vehicles were exported to a variety of markets. Europe is the main destination, with significant sales in North America and Asia, and specialist luxury marques sold worldwide.