UK CAR AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MANUFACTURING (data for December and FY 2025)
Hi-res charts available via Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8pskgvu0pspx9u6ueezx7/ADFoByA30j35QgD6fuNPlXE?rlkey=4yq5xdkri6rdzppkgh1eqlmte&st=o1ruv9dj&dl=0
- Vehicle production down -15.5% in 2025 as 764,715 cars and commercial vehicles leave factories.
- Car output falls -8.0% while CV volumes decline -62.3% as industry restructures amid cyber incident and tariff uncertainties.
- December car growth signals optimism for 2026, driven by new EV models entering production, with opportunity to produce one million vehicles by 2027 if conditions are right.
- Sector calls for government to deliver Industrial and Trade Strategies, to improve manufacturing competitiveness and unlock growth potential.
LONDON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- UK vehicle production fell -15.5% in 2025, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Factories turned out a total of 764,715 units – 717,371 cars and 47,344 commercial vehicles, with output falling by -8.0% and -62.3% respectively.1 Volumes were constrained by a number of factors, including a cyber incident stopping production at Britain's biggest automotive employer; new tariffs on trade across the Atlantic; the consolidation of two CV plants into one; and ongoing restructuring as plants shift to a decarbonised future.
December saw van, truck, bus and coach volumes decline for a ninth consecutive month, falling -67.7% to 2,281 units, but car production showed signs of recovery, rising 17.7% to 53,003 units and ending four months of decline. Over the year, car production for the UK market fell by -8.2% to 161,545 units while exports declined -7.9% to 555,826 units, accounting for 77.5% of output.
Europe received the majority (56.7%) of vehicles exported, followed by the US (15.0%) and China (6.3%). Exports to each were down, by -3.3%, -18.3% and -12.5% respectively – with shipments to the US impacted by tariff uncertainty earlier in 2025. Turkey and Japan rounded off the UK's top five global export markets, followed by Canada, Australia, South Korea, Switzerland and UAE.
Production of battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) cars rose by 8.3% to a combined 298,813 units – a record 41.7% share of output. With the start of next generation volume electric car production in Sunderland, and the planned launch of seven new EV models across the UK, output is expected to grow in 2026.
The latest independent production outlook expects overall UK car production to return to growth with output set to rise by more than 10% to some 790,000 units in 2026. Overall light vehicle production is anticipated to reach 824,000 units – with the potential to reach one million units by 2027 provided new model launches stay on track and the right conditions are set.2
Significant public and private investment has already been committed to the UK's EV transition –with government's £4 billion DRIVE35 programme launched as part of its Modern Industrial Strategy. Achieving the Strategy's ambition of UK automotive production reaching over 1.3 million per year by 2035 now depends on the delivery of the commitments set out in the Strategy.
These include measures to drive down the UK's stubbornly high cost of energy, ensuring the whole sector is eligible for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, support for the UK supply chain, and the creation of a strong and sustainable domestic market. Given that manufacturers – and therefore suppliers – build close to where they sell, the importance of a healthy new vehicle market cannot be overstated.
A forward-looking trade agenda that deepens existing relationships and builds new ones is also fundamental to what is an export-led industry. Europe remains the UK's biggest automotive export market and the biggest source of imported vehicles and components, so tariff-free trade and market access must be assured, despite a looming change to Rules of Origin requirements agreed under the Brexit deal and increasingly protectionist 'Made in Europe' proposals coming from the European Commission.
Furthermore, given the crucial role of US exports – especially to small volume, high value manufacturers – further uncertainty in cross-Atlantic trade has to be avoided while the benefits arising from new deals with South Korea and India must be realised. Above all, the UK must continue to promote the sector's expertise and capability vigorously to a global audience.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, "2025 was the toughest year in a generation for UK vehicle manufacturing. Structural changes, new trade barriers, and a cyber attack that stopped production at one of the UK's most important manufacturers combined to constrain output, but the outlook for 2026 is one of recovery. The launch of a raft of new, increasingly electric, models and an improving economic outlook in key markets augur well. The key to long term growth, however, is the creation of the right competitive conditions for investment; reduced energy costs; the avoidance of new trade barriers; and a healthy, sustainable domestic market. Government has set out how it will back the sector with its Industrial and Trade strategies, and 2026 must be a year of delivery."
Notes to editors
1 - 'Commercial vehicle' covers vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches.
2 - Based on independent production outlook produced by AutoAnalysis in November – cars and light vans only.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
SMMT - Tough year for UK automotive output but Industrial Strategy now key to recovery
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SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- APR Co., Ltd., a global beauty technology company, announced that cumulative global sales of its beauty device brand, MEDICUBE AGE-R, have surpassed 6 million units, underscoring the company's accelerating scale and competitiveness in the global home beauty device market.
As of January 2026, cumulative worldwide sales of MEDICUBE AGE-R beauty devices exceeded the 6 million-unit milestone, following the brand's achievement of 5 million units in the second half of last year. The continued sales momentum highlights MEDICUBE AGE-R's evolution beyond short-term growth, reflecting a structurally stable and repeat-driven sales base supported by sustained global demand.
MEDICUBE AGE-R has expanded its market presence through a diversified product portfolio designed to address a broad range of individual skincare concerns. Anchored by its flagship "Booster Pro", the lineup has continued to expand with the introduction of additional devices such as "Ultra Tune 40.68" and "Booster Pro Mini", reflecting the brand's focus on accessibility and everyday usability. The devices are designed to be used in combination with MEDICUBE skincare products, allowing consumers to incorporate device-assisted care into their daily at-home skincare routines based on their personal skin needs.
According to APR, the latest milestone was driven by simultaneous growth across international markets and continued advancement of the product lineup. MEDICUBE AGE-R beauty devices have demonstrated strong sales performance in key markets such as the United States and Japan, while expanding into high-growth regions including Greater China and Southeast Asia. More than 60 percent of cumulative device sales are now generated outside Korea, reflecting the brand's increasing global penetration.
"Booster Pro" continues to serve as MEDICUBE AGE-R's flagship product, maintaining consistent sales momentum since launch. In October 2025, APR participated as an official sponsor of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held in Gyeongju, South Korea, where "Booster Pro" was selected as a gift for the spouses of attending heads of state, further reinforcing the brand's global visibility and product credibility.
Building on this momentum, APR has expanded its compatible device lineup in the South Korean market since July 2025, introducing interchangeable attachments such as the "Booster Vibration Cleanser" and "Booster V Roller." Designed to enhance convenience and everyday usability around a single core device, these products are scheduled for a phased rollout across international markets. Collectively, the lineup supports a modular at-home skincare approach, allowing consumers to personalize their routines around one core device.
Byung-hoon Kim, Chief Executive Officer of APR Co., Ltd., said: "Surpassing 6 million units in cumulative sales is a meaningful indicator of sustained consumer trust in the MEDICUBE AGE-R brand. By continuing to advance our technology and strengthen portfolio competitiveness, we aim to further expand our leadership in the global home beauty device market."
About APR Co., Ltd.
APR Co., Ltd. is a global beauty company founded in 2014, focused on integrating advanced beauty technology into everyday skincare routines. With a strong emphasis on efficacy and ease of use, APR develops products that combine skincare expertise with advanced beauty technology.
The company operates a diversified portfolio of beauty brands, including MEDICUBE (skincare), MEDICUBE AGE-R (home beauty devices), and Aprilskin (skincare), addressing a wide range of consumer needs across global markets. Through continuous innovation and consumer-centric development, APR has established a strong presence in the rapidly growing global K-beauty segment.
APR has achieved consistent year-on-year revenue growth and generates the majority of its sales from international markets, reflecting its expanding global footprint. Listed on the Korea Exchange (KOSPI) in 2024, the company reached a market capitalization of over KRW 10 trillion as of January 2026, underscoring its scale and competitiveness as a global beauty player.
About MEDICUBE AGE-R
"MEDICUBE AGE-R" is APR's home beauty device brand that adapts professional skincare technologies for at-home use, helping consumers achieve effective daily skincare routines with greater convenience.
Since its launch in 2021, "MEDICUBE AGE-R" has recorded strong growth. Cumulative device sales increased from approximately 50,000 units at launch to more than 6 million units as of January 2026, representing more than 100-fold growth over five years.
Through continuous research and development, "MEDICUBE AGE-R" delivers professional-level skincare solutions designed for everyday use at home.
SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- APR Co., Ltd., a global beauty technology company, announced that cumulative global sales of its beauty device brand, MEDICUBE AGE-R, have surpassed 6 million units, underscoring the company's accelerating scale and competitiveness in the global home beauty device market.
As of January 2026, cumulative worldwide sales of MEDICUBE AGE-R beauty devices exceeded the 6 million-unit milestone, following the brand's achievement of 5 million units in the second half of last year. The continued sales momentum highlights MEDICUBE AGE-R's evolution beyond short-term growth, reflecting a structurally stable and repeat-driven sales base supported by sustained global demand.
MEDICUBE AGE-R has expanded its market presence through a diversified product portfolio designed to address a broad range of individual skincare concerns. Anchored by its flagship "Booster Pro", the lineup has continued to expand with the introduction of additional devices such as "Ultra Tune 40.68" and "Booster Pro Mini", reflecting the brand's focus on accessibility and everyday usability. The devices are designed to be used in combination with MEDICUBE skincare products, allowing consumers to incorporate device-assisted care into their daily at-home skincare routines based on their personal skin needs.
According to APR, the latest milestone was driven by simultaneous growth across international markets and continued advancement of the product lineup. MEDICUBE AGE-R beauty devices have demonstrated strong sales performance in key markets such as the United States and Japan, while expanding into high-growth regions including Greater China and Southeast Asia. More than 60 percent of cumulative device sales are now generated outside Korea, reflecting the brand's increasing global penetration.
"Booster Pro" continues to serve as MEDICUBE AGE-R's flagship product, maintaining consistent sales momentum since launch. In October 2025, APR participated as an official sponsor of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held in Gyeongju, South Korea, where "Booster Pro" was selected as a gift for the spouses of attending heads of state, further reinforcing the brand's global visibility and product credibility.
Building on this momentum, APR has expanded its compatible device lineup in the South Korean market since July 2025, introducing interchangeable attachments such as the "Booster Vibration Cleanser" and "Booster V Roller." Designed to enhance convenience and everyday usability around a single core device, these products are scheduled for a phased rollout across international markets. Collectively, the lineup supports a modular at-home skincare approach, allowing consumers to personalize their routines around one core device.
Byung-hoon Kim, Chief Executive Officer of APR Co., Ltd., said: "Surpassing 6 million units in cumulative sales is a meaningful indicator of sustained consumer trust in the MEDICUBE AGE-R brand. By continuing to advance our technology and strengthen portfolio competitiveness, we aim to further expand our leadership in the global home beauty device market."
About APR Co., Ltd.
APR Co., Ltd. is a global beauty company founded in 2014, focused on integrating advanced beauty technology into everyday skincare routines. With a strong emphasis on efficacy and ease of use, APR develops products that combine skincare expertise with advanced beauty technology.
The company operates a diversified portfolio of beauty brands, including MEDICUBE (skincare), MEDICUBE AGE-R (home beauty devices), and Aprilskin (skincare), addressing a wide range of consumer needs across global markets. Through continuous innovation and consumer-centric development, APR has established a strong presence in the rapidly growing global K-beauty segment.
APR has achieved consistent year-on-year revenue growth and generates the majority of its sales from international markets, reflecting its expanding global footprint. Listed on the Korea Exchange (KOSPI) in 2024, the company reached a market capitalization of over KRW 10 trillion as of January 2026, underscoring its scale and competitiveness as a global beauty player.
About MEDICUBE AGE-R
"MEDICUBE AGE-R" is APR's home beauty device brand that adapts professional skincare technologies for at-home use, helping consumers achieve effective daily skincare routines with greater convenience.
Since its launch in 2021, "MEDICUBE AGE-R" has recorded strong growth. Cumulative device sales increased from approximately 50,000 units at launch to more than 6 million units as of January 2026, representing more than 100-fold growth over five years.
Through continuous research and development, "MEDICUBE AGE-R" delivers professional-level skincare solutions designed for everyday use at home.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
APR Exceeds 6 Million Units in Global Sales of MEDICUBE AGE-R Beauty Devices, Strengthening Leadership in Home Beauty Tech
