Sportwagen: McLaren plant neues Autowerk in Großbritannien

British sports car manufacturer McLaren Automotive is planning to build a new factory in the United Kingdom. The company announced that around 1000 new jobs will be created by 2032. McLaren plans to invest £500 million (approximately €674 million) in the new factory, headquarters in Woking and an existing plant in Sheffield. The specific location of the new plant has not been decided yet.

The company is considering sites outside of Woking. This announcement is seen as a relief for the British automotive industry, following a recent announcement by Jaguar Land Rover of laying off thousands of jobs in the UK. Rising costs across Europe are putting pressure on car manufacturers. High energy costs in the United Kingdom make production there a particular challenge.

Prime Minister Andrew Burnham aims to increase employment, particularly among young people. McLaren's investment is expected to create "high-skilled training places, jobs and impact far beyond the factory gates," Burnham said. Since January 2026, the company has been owned by Abu Dhabi-based LIMAD Holding Co., which aims to reposition the manufacturer.

McLaren has previously needed bailouts and sold assets such as its historic car collection. "The European automotive industry is changing and the worst thing you can do is deny it and wait until it hits you," Collins said. To make McLaren more attractive, the company plans to launch its first SUV model, hoping to compete with Ferrari or Lamborghini.

McLaren CEO Michael Straughan sees this step as natural, as the company, known for its rear-wheel drive sports cars, is limiting its production capabilities by focusing only on those. Currently, McLaren produces around 2200 vehicles per year, running at only 59% capacity – a trend that could threaten many car plants in Europe.