McLaren considers building future models abroad while staying loyal to the UK

The McLaren factory at its Woking HQ in the UK is still the backbone of the company’s supercar production.

CEO Nick Collins confirmed the site remains central to operations, even as production has been scaled back to balance supply with demand.

Output reductions this year were aimed at easing oversupply across dealerships and protecting car values.

Collins also suggested that certain future projects could be built abroad, raising the prospect of a more global approach to manufacturing.

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McLaren factory remains the core

Collins described the McLaren Technology Centre and Production Centre as the foundation of the brand.

The McLaren factory at its Woking HQ in the UK will continue to be the main site for supercar production, with close attention to build quality and controlled volumes.

Earlier in the year, the company cut output to reduce excess stock at dealerships, a move aimed at keeping models more desirable and residual values stable.

Collins said the McLaren factory is now producing ‘the best quality cars we have ever built‘ and explained that the aim is to maintain that standard without pushing the system beyond its limit.

While the Woking HQ remains the focus, Collins acknowledged that building some models in other markets could make sense depending on demand and resources.

The comments arrive during a period of significant change at McLaren.

The company merged with EV startup Forseven earlier this year, adding electric expertise while also cutting around 500 jobs in a broad restructuring.

Collins replaced former CEO Michael Leiters and now oversees both McLaren Automotive and the wider group, steering the company through a challenging but pivotal stage.

Electric models could change the map

Future product strategy will influence whether McLaren expands production outside the UK.

Electric models are the most likely candidates, given the supply chains and infrastructure they require.

The Forseven merger strengthens McLaren’s hand in this space and could make overseas production practical.

Analysts also point to the long-discussed SUV as another project that might be produced abroad, broadening the company’s portfolio beyond supercar production.

Other British brands have already weighed similar moves.

Lotus considered shifting operations away from its historic UK base, while Aston Martin has long relied on external partners for certain projects.

For McLaren, any overseas activity would supplement rather than replace the UK plant.

The McLaren factory at its Woking HQ would remain the core of supercar production, while international sites could serve new products or technologies.

Collins stressed that stability and quality come first, but selective expansion could shape the marque’s global future as electric models move closer to reality.

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