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. Car output fell 7.3% in the six months to June while the closure of Vauhall's Luton van plant helped drive van production down 45%, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows. Uncertainty over tariffs in the US – the UK industry's second biggest market – meant some firms slowed or stopped production in the first half of this year. SMMT said the US-UK tariff deal which has since come into effect could help confidence, while the government said its ... (full story)