The world can鈥檛 get enough of British luxury cars
June 10, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Britain鈥檚 luxury and sports car manufacturers are driving a 拢5bn export boom, with nine out of ten cars crafted for international markets, reveals a new SMMT report.
If you love luxury cars or high-performance sports cars, there鈥檚 more to these stunning machines than just sleek looks and powerful engines 鈥 they鈥檙e also helping to drive Britain鈥檚 economy in a big way.
Iconic brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Lotus, McLaren, Morgan, and Rolls-Royce generate around 拢5bn in annually, with about 90% of their high-performance supercars, luxury SUVs, electric saloons, and even taxis exported, according to a new report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
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What makes these cars so special?
Unlike everyday vehicles, these cars are built in smaller numbers but are beautifully crafted, packed with advanced technology, and properly luxurious. They include everything from high-performance supercars and luxury SUVs to electric saloons and even taxis.
Despite accounting for just 4% of all UK car production, these manufacturers contribute a huge 17% of the total value of British car exports, the SMMT data found. In 2024 alone, they turned over more than 拢5.5bn. That鈥檚 not just impressive 鈥 it鈥檚 a sign that quality and innovation win big on the world stage.
Nearly 90% of the cars made by the UK鈥檚 small-volume car makers are shipped overseas 鈥 well above the industry average of 77% 鈥 and are sold in over 120 markets worldwide. The biggest fans? The US leads with about 35% of exports, followed by Asia (mainly China, Japan, and South Korea) at just over 30%, and around 17% go to the EU, according to the SMMT data.
Jobs and innovation at the heart of the industry
These companies employ over 15,000 highly skilled workers in well-paid jobs, earning salaries nearly 20% above the national average. Beyond the factory floor, around 60,000 more people work in the supply chains that help build these luxury vehicles, according to the SMMT.
Innovation is a major focus too. Since 2020, these manufacturers have invested 拢3.5bn into research and development, creating advances in lightweight materials, hybrid powertrains, and aerodynamics. Many of these breakthroughs eventually benefit the wider car industry, and drivers everywhere.
The challenges ahead, and why they matter to you
But it鈥檚 not all smooth sailing. The industry鈥檚 dealing with rising costs, the big push to go zero-emission, and the tricky business of making low-volume, custom cars that take longer to design and sell. All these challenges can affect everything from the price you pay to how fast new models hit the streets.
That鈥檚 why these carmakers are asking the government to understand their special needs in future plans. Support for new tech, flexible ways to go green, easier access to funding, and better trade deals will be key to keeping these iconic British brands going strong.
Mike Hawes, the boss of SMMT, said: 鈥淏ritain鈥檚 luxury, performance and niche vehicle makers are exemplars of automotive design, engineering and manufacturing 鈥 and a quintessential British success story, the definition of 鈥楳ade in the UK, Sold to the World鈥.
鈥淭he government gets how important these brands are to the UK economy. Even with all the global challenges, the industry is ready to work together to not just survive but thrive. When they do well, it means more growth, good jobs, and exports 鈥 exactly what the government wants to see, keeping Britain at the top of the global car game.鈥
What this means for car enthusiasts
If you鈥檝e ever dreamed of owning one of these luxurious British cars 鈥 or just appreciate how cool and clever they are 鈥 this is great news. Thanks to government support and trade deals making it easier to sell overseas, these luxury brands are set to keep bringing you those high-tech, exclusive cars you love. It鈥檚 all about keeping Britain鈥檚 name strong in the car world.
So next time you see a Bentley gliding past or hear a McLaren roar down the street, remember: these aren鈥檛 just any cars. They鈥檙e a proud showcase of British craftsmanship, innovation, and success.
SMMT鈥檚 鈥樷 report sets out in detail the measures that the government, working with industry, should introduce to support a successful sector, delivering innovation, trade and jobs, and boosting UK economic activity in every region of the country.
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Looking for a new set of wheels? With 莲花直播 you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price 鈥 as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you鈥檙e looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, 莲花直播 is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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