A recent study found that since July 2020 more people would rather buy a vehicle made in the UK.
A recent study found that since July 2020 more people would rather buy a vehicle made in the UK.
The report from WhatCar? suggests that 44% of car buyers are now more likely to consider UK-built cars or a UK brand as a result of the lockdowns we’ve seen over the last year. This figure has increased 5% since the same question was asked in the previous year and shows the increase in support for locally manufactured cars.
In addition to this almost half of buyers (47%) said that where a car is manufactured is one of their key considerations when making a decision on their next car. This
An even greater number of car buyers (62%) said that they were worried about the future of the automotive manufacturing sector in the UK. This demonstrates that there is still a large amount of support for the UK automotive industry, with plenty of buyers that would happily purchase a car manufactured in the UK.
As has been seen with other industries the report has also said that 11% of buyers have stated that the actions of carmakers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced their perception of those brands. This shows that corporate responsibility, especially in response to current events can be a huge factor behind brand perception and is something that all manufacturers should focus on more.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been a number of responses from different manufacturers, with some factories being converted to help assemble more ventilators, through to demonstration vehicles being used to help deliver food supplies.
Cars Manufactured In The UK
Whilst there has been a decline in the number of cars manufactured in the UK, there are still approximately 1.3 million vehicles made in the UK each year. For those that are looking to buy a UK made car, here are a few examples of models that are still manufactured in the UK.
Mini
With it’s UK facility Mini still produces a number of models in the UK, such as the Mark 1 Mini Hatch and the Mini Electric.
Aston Martin
Despite their ups and downs in recent years there are three sites across the UK manufacturing sports cars including the DB11, Vantage and DBX 4×4.
Nissan
Nissan has been building cars at its plant in Sunderland since 1986 and celebrated its 10 millionth British-built Nissan in 2019. It currently manufactures the all-electric Leaf, as well as the Juke and Qashqai from this location.
Bentley
Although it has been owned by Volkswagen since 1998, most of Bentleys luxury models are still assembled at the Company’s historic factory in Crewe. With the current range including the Flying Spur, Mulsanne, Continental and Bentayga SUV.
Land Rover
Land Rover has been manufacturing iconic 4x4s since 1948, with various models being built at their two sites in Solihull and Halewood.
McLaren
Founded in 1985, this supercar manufacturer still operates in the UK out of it’s base in Woking. Their current range of cars includes the 540C, 570GT, 570S, 600LT, 720S and Senna GTR.
Vauxhall
“The UK’s oldest surviving car brand”, with its first models rolling off the line in 1903. Production continues at their Ellesmere Port plant, producing the Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer models.
Toyota
Now the world’s biggest car company, Toyota has two plants in the UK manufacturing cars, one which makes vehicles in Burnaston and another making engines in Deeside. The first British-made car drove off the production line in 1992, which is still making cars such as the Corolla hatchback and estate.
Rolls-Royce
Easily argued to be the world’s most famous luxury car maker, Rolls-Royce is still producing cars such as the Ghost, Wratigh, Dawn, Phantom and Cullinan SUV as its state of the art factory in Goodwood.
Lotus
Based in Hethel, Lotus are still manufacturing its models such as the Elise, Exige and Evora in the UK.
Jaguar
The present Jaguar lineup is manufactured at two plants in the West Midlands, including the XE, XF, and XJ saloons, as well as the F-Type coupe and E-Pace, F-Pace and I-Pace SUVs