Archive · 16 Sep 2026
McLaren Plans First SUV With $675 Million UK Investment
McLaren makes expensive sports cars in Britain.
The company plans to spend £500 million to expand its factories and engineering work.
It also wants to build its first SUV, a taller vehicle that can attract more buyers.
The company hopes this plan will increase sales and profits.
A new factory and new parts production could create 1,000 jobs by 2032.
McLaren sold about 2,000 cars in 2025, down from nearly 3,300 in 2024.
Its new owner has promised to invest £1.5 billion over five years.
McLaren says it will wait to build an electric car until customers ask for one.
McLaren will invest £500 million ($675 million) in UK manufacturing and engineering operations.
The expansion includes a new UK assembly plant and in-house transmission and engine production.
McLaren plans to develop its first SUV and other models to increase sales and profit margins.
The investment is expected to create 1,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2032.
McLaren currently has no plans for an electric vehicle, saying customers are not demanding one.
- Who
- McLaren Automotive, supported by its Abu Dhabi-based ownership, announced the expansion plan.
- What
- The company will invest £500 million, build a new assembly plant, develop engines and transmissions, and introduce its first SUV.
- When
- The plan was announced on Tuesday, with job creation projected by 2032 and shareholder investment planned over the next five years.
- Where
- The investment will target McLaren’s UK manufacturing and engineering operations, including its headquarters in Woking, England.
- Why
- McLaren wants to expand its product range, increase sales, reduce material costs, improve profitability, and compete more closely with Ferrari and other luxury automakers.
- Planned investment
- £500 million ($675 million) in UK manufacturing and engineering
- New vehicle
- McLaren’s first-ever SUV
- Expected jobs
- 1,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2032
- Shareholder commitment
- L’IMAD has committed £1.5 billion over five years
- 2025 sales
- Around 2,000 cars
- 2024 sales
- Just under 3,300 cars
- Electric vehicle plan
- No electric vehicle is currently planned because McLaren says customers are not asking for one