McLaren has long been synonymous with British engineering excellence, with its Woking headquarters serving as the home of its iconic supercars. However, the company’s new leadership is signaling a more flexible approach to manufacturing in the future. While Woking will remain the “soul” of McLaren production, CEO Nick Collins has hinted that certain vehicles could eventually be built outside the United Kingdom. This shift reflects the realities of global automotive trade, tariffs, and the increasing importance of local and specialized production in today’s industry.
McLaren’s Position on Manufacturing
Speaking during Monterey Car Week 2025, Nick Collins, recently appointed CEO of McLaren Automotive and McLaren Group Holdings, emphasized that Woking will remain the cornerstone of supercar production.
“That’s going to be home for a very, very long period of time,” Collins stated, referring to the McLaren Technology and Production Centers.
At the same time, he acknowledged that “some things might make sense to build in other locations” depending on capacity, demand, and regional factors. This nuanced stance suggests McLaren is evaluating how best to expand its manufacturing footprint without compromising its brand heritage.
Summary Table
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
Company |
McLaren Automotive / McLaren Group Holdings |
CEO |
Nick Collins (appointed April 2025) |
HQ & Core Production |
McLaren Technology and Production Centers, Woking, UK |
Future Outlook |
Possible overseas production for select models |
Recent Changes |
Merger with EV startup Forseven, 500 job cuts, F1 and endurance racing commitments |
Focus |
World-class quality, sustainable production levels, brand value protection |
Official Website |
A Year of Transformation for McLaren
The British automaker has undergone sweeping changes in 2025. Key developments include:
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Merger with EV startup Forseven: This strategic partnership positions McLaren strongly in the electric vehicle sector.
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Job reductions: Approximately 500 jobs were cut as part of a restructuring process.
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Motorsport expansion: McLaren confirmed its entry into the top class of endurance racing, adding to its already formidable presence in Formula 1.
Despite headwinds in the automotive market, McLaren remains on track to secure both the Formula 1 drivers’ and constructors’ championships later this year, reinforcing the strength of its brand and engineering capability.
Addressing Dealer Stock and Residual Values
Collins explained that one of his first major decisions was to reduce production volume to address overstocking across global dealerships. The aim is to stabilize the business and protect the long-term value of McLaren vehicles.
“We triggered the painful decision to reduce our production volume, to realign our supply to our underlying demand,” he said.
By carefully managing production output, McLaren hopes to ensure stronger resale values for its customers while safeguarding the financial health of the company.
The Importance of Quality
Central to Collins’ vision is maintaining world-class quality standards. He praised the previous leadership for improving McLaren’s production systems and stressed that the company’s objective is clear:
“We’ve only got one objective, which is to be the best in the world in quality.”
Rather than chasing volume, Collins wants to keep Woking operating at an “optimum” level, one that ensures cars are built with precision and reliability.
What Could Be Built Outside the UK?
While McLaren supercars will remain firmly rooted in Woking, the possibility of overseas production raises intriguing questions. Two potential candidates stand out:
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A McLaren SUV: Industry speculation has long swirled around the brand eventually entering the lucrative luxury SUV market. If such a vehicle were produced, overseas manufacturing could be a strategic choice, especially for markets like North America or the Middle East.
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Fully Electric Models: With McLaren’s merger with EV-focused Forseven, the company is poised to expand into electric performance cars. Building these models closer to key markets could help avoid tariffs, reduce logistics costs, and cater to local demand.
McLaren’s Balanced Strategy
The path ahead for McLaren involves balancing tradition with innovation. Woking will remain the heart of its operations, ensuring that its supercars retain their British DNA. At the same time, expanding manufacturing abroad offers flexibility to navigate changing global markets, regulatory landscapes, and customer demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will McLaren stop building cars in the UK?
A. No. McLaren’s CEO has confirmed that Woking will remain the home of its supercars “for a very, very long period of time.”
2. What might McLaren build outside the UK?
A. While not confirmed, potential candidates include a long-rumored SUV or upcoming electric vehicles developed with Forseven.
3. Why is McLaren considering overseas production?
A. Global tariffs, logistics costs, and localized demand make it beneficial for automakers to diversify their production footprint.
4. How is McLaren addressing oversupply issues?
A. The company has reduced production volumes to match demand, helping protect resale values and stabilize dealer inventories.
5. What is McLaren’s top priority under Nick Collins?
A. The company’s primary goal is to achieve world-leading quality standards in its vehicles.
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