The world can’t get enough of British luxury cars

If you love luxury cars or high-performance sports cars, there’s more to these stunning machines than just sleek looks and powerful engines – they’re also helping to drive Britain’s economy in a big way.

Iconic brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Lotus, McLaren, Morgan, and Rolls-Royce generate around £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 £5.5bn. That’s not just impressive – it’s a sign that quality and innovation win big on the world stage.

Nearly 90% of the cars made by the UK’s small-volume car makers are shipped overseas – well above the industry average of 77% – 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 £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’s not all smooth sailing. The industry’s 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’s 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: “Britain’s luxury, performance and niche vehicle makers are exemplars of automotive design, engineering and manufacturing – and a quintessential British success story, the definition of ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’.

“The 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 – exactly what the government wants to see, keeping Britain at the top of the global car game.”

What this means for car enthusiasts

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning one of these luxurious British cars – or just appreciate how cool and clever they are – 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’s all about keeping Britain’s 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’t just any cars. They’re a proud showcase of British craftsmanship, innovation, and success.

SMMT’s ‘The UK’s Small Volume Automotive Manufacturers: An Enduring British Success Story’ 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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