Automotive News – Late May 2026
Stellantis and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to collaborate on product development in the United States. It could see the two automotive giants work on developing models for the North American market.
JLR currently has no manufacturing capability in the US and has taken a hit from President Donald Trump’s punitive tariffs on its imports to the US.
The two groups said under the terms of the non‑binding MOU, Stellantis and JLR will explore collaboration opportunities to create synergies across product and technology development, leveraging the companies’ complementary strengths to create value for both organisations.
Sourced from Business Desk
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UK vehicle production fell -1.2% in April to 58,513 units, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Car output was broadly stable for a second consecutive month, down just -0.7% to 56,135 units, while commercial vehicle (CV) output fell -10.9% to 2,378 units – its smallest decline for 13 months as the effect on numbers of the closure of one of the UK’s biggest van plants ceases. The overall performance still, however, reflects wider model changeovers and challenges in some key global markets.
Exports continued to drive production, accounting for 76.4% of all vehicle output in the month. An -8.2% decline in CV shipments was offset by 1.1% growth in cars produced for global markets, resulting in an overall 0.8% boost to outbound trade. The EU remained the top global destination for cars, taking more than half (53.2%) of exports, with shipments up 6.9% to 23,103 units. Exports to the US also rose, up 6.8% to 7,558 units, but deliveries to China fell -44.4% to 2,081 units.
In the year to date, UK factories have produced 266,601 vehicles, down -10.7% year on year. Car output is down -5.4% to 257,024 units, while CV production has declined -64.1% to 9,577 units.
Sourced from SMMT
