Four automotive apprentices win once-in-a-lifetime experience to drive 1904 Thornycroft Tourer in the world’s longest-running motoring event. Competition launched by SMMT and British Motor Museum to celebrate industry’s apprenticeship talent, with winners from Aston Martin Works, Bentley, Caterpillar and JLR. Competition reflects how far automotive skills and technology have travelled in past century, from early petrol… Continue reading Four automotive apprentices win once-in-a-lifetime driving experience with 1905 car
Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News
Why volume growth matters most for decarbonising heavy vehicles
Heavy goods vehicles are crucial to keeping goods and business on the move, and a thriving market for the latest models is essential for reducing emissions. Yet the latest registrations data published by SMMT today shows Q2 marked a fourth quarter of decline in the new HGV market. Although this is unsurprising as the market… Continue reading Why volume growth matters most for decarbonising heavy vehicles
Britain’s bus fleet grows – and gets greener – for ninth quarter running
New bus, coach and minibus deliveries up 62.5% to 2,968 units in second quarter of 2025. Demand rises in every segment with volume growth driven by minibus uptake, up 99.7%. Buses driving decarbonisation with 45.3% rise in zero emission rollout, accounting for one in five new buses reaching the road. Data download New UK bus,… Continue reading Britain’s bus fleet grows – and gets greener – for ninth quarter running
HGV market declines in Q2 but zero emission uptake reaches record levels
New heavy goods vehicle uptake declines -11.2% in Q2 as fleet renewal continues to normalise. Demand falls across all body types bar refuse trucks, but tractors remain most popular. ZEV rollout up 59.1% during first half with record 0.9% share – but equivalent to fewer than 200 units. Industry welcomes new depot infrastructure grants, with… Continue reading HGV market declines in Q2 but zero emission uptake reaches record levels
A red letter day for school leavers
Today, thousands of young people are receiving their T and A level results and now considering their next steps, whether that’s entering full-time work, starting an apprenticeship or heading to university. And while university remains a popular choice, apprenticeships provide a crucial route into the automotive industry, offering roles in R&D, manufacturing, supply chain, maintenance,… Continue reading A red letter day for school leavers
Five minutes with… Mark Stidston, Business Development Manager, Modul-System
Tell us a bit about Modul-System? Modul-System Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of racking solutions for service vehicles and parcel delivery vans. Safety and quality are of paramount importance to the business, and we consistently invest significant resources into the development of innovative products that deliver value to our customers. We are… Continue reading Five minutes with… Mark Stidston, Business Development Manager, Modul-System
Driving up standards: The FORS scheme
The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is an accreditation scheme for fleets which aims to drive up standards and demonstrate which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency and environmental protection. While FORS is still voluntary, it is now a requirement to work on many large infrastructure projects and there are currently more… Continue reading Driving up standards: The FORS scheme
BCA: Used LCV values up 5.5% year-on-year in July
Vehicle remarketing business BCA has reported strong trading for used LCVs in July, helped by exceptional buyer demand. LCV values at the vehicle auction specialist averaged £7,817 in July 2025, down by £371 month-on-month compared to June, but ahead of July 2024 values by £407 – 5.5% – a theme that continues from previous months.… Continue reading BCA: Used LCV values up 5.5% year-on-year in July
Electric double deckers for Lancashire hospital service
A Lancashire-based operator has ordered two Alexander Dennis Enviro200 single deck buses to use on a hospital transport service launched earlier this year. Moving People will use the vehicles on the route linking Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General Hospital as well as the respective town centres. This service – which is fully commercial and operates… Continue reading Electric double deckers for Lancashire hospital service
Certainty needed to fully charge EV demand
The latest SMMT data out this week tells a story of two halves. On the one hand it shows a used car market surging ahead, with four million first-half transactions marking a welcome return to pre-pandemic levels. Significantly, one in 10 of those cars were electrified, with zero emission vehicles reaching a record 3.4% share… Continue reading Certainty needed to fully charge EV demand