Data from the UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed a significant decline in British car production for February, highlighting increasing pressures on the sector. This comes as global tensions have yet to cast a deeper shadow over the manufacturing outlook.

According to the association, UK car production fell by 17.2% year-on-year to 68,061 units.

Vehicle exports also showed weakness, with passenger car exports dropping by 11.5% to 53,140 units, while commercial vehicle exports plunged by 65.1% to 1,306 units.

Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT, described the decline in both production and exports as "deeply concerning." He added that emerging global tensions could place further strain on supply chains.

The association also pointed out that the European Commission's Industrial Acceleration Act "would discriminate against UK-made cars and components—undermining a trade relationship worth nearly £70 billion annually."

SMMT data also indicated that the EU remains the largest export market for UK car factories, absorbing 64% of the country's automotive exports.