In encouraging news this week, SMMT’s latest figures show the new car market made a promising start to the year, with 3.5% growth in January – the strongest performance for the month since before the pandemic. The latest outlook is also optimistic about the sector’s ongoing recovery, anticipating further growth of 1.4% this year – a modest but welcome improvement on the… Continue reading Modest new car growth but EV demand lags expectation
Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News
Five minutes with… Caroline Barber, CEO, Transaid
Describe the work that Transaid does? Transaid transforms lives through safe, available and sustainable transport across sub-Saharan Africa. We have active or recently completed projects in 13 countries, delivering life-saving solutions through road safety and access to healthcare. Our road safety projects encourage drivers, governments, and training institutions, to share knowledge and build capacity at… Continue reading Five minutes with… Caroline Barber, CEO, Transaid
Swift action needed for viable new LCV market
The UK’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market continues to soften into 2026 with January registrations down -7.8% to 17,562 units, the latest SMMT data published today shows. It marks the weakest start to a year since 2012 and reflects fragile business confidence across core van‑buying sectors. The most significant drag is being faced by… Continue reading Swift action needed for viable new LCV market
Pride in the workplace: How the automotive industry supports the LGBTQ+ community
Companies that embrace diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices contribute to a better and more tolerant society – but by attracting a wide range of talented staff with different backgrounds and experiences, they also tend to be more innovative and profitable. Vehicle manufacturers, operators and suppliers across the automotive industry have been working closely… Continue reading Pride in the workplace: How the automotive industry supports the LGBTQ+ community
GXO to operate Luton Airport’s first consolidation centre
GXO Logistics has announced it will operate London Luton Airport’s (LLA) first consolidation centre to screen and manage hundreds of thousands of airside deliveries. The centre is located in one of three hangars, being repurposed in an £11.5 million refurbishment programme that includes two new aircraft engineering and repair buildings. From fashion items to perfume… Continue reading GXO to operate Luton Airport’s first consolidation centre
Great Yarmouth bus depot electrification begins
Work has begun at First Bus’ Great Yarmouth depot to prepare the site for electric buses, marking the next phase in the rollout of zero emission public transport across Norfolk. The project at the Caister Road site forms part of a further £13.8 million investment, £8.9 million of which is being funded by First Bus,… Continue reading Great Yarmouth bus depot electrification begins
SMMT International Update February 2026
Year of the Horse welcomes opportunities and good fortune for business Frances Woodman, International Manager, shares about international activities for the February edition of the SMMT International Update. Lunar New Year, celebrated in much of East and South East Asia and around the world, starts on 17 February and this time the Year of the… Continue reading SMMT International Update February 2026
New Members – January
Find out below who has joined the premier automotive trade association and what they get from membership: SMMT data services Extensive market data providing key information to assist marketing and promotional activity, and future business opportunities. Developing business opportunities SMMT’s targeted events and Automotive Supplier Finder (ASF) service helps facilitate opportunities by matching buyers to… Continue reading New Members – January
Global partnership can drive UK Auto growth
2025 was a tough year for UK vehicle manufacturing with a combination of plant restructuring, trade uncertainties, economic weakness in key markets and, of course, a major cyber incident at a key manufacturer all limiting output. Against that backdrop, the industry’s resilience should not be underestimated and December’s growth in car production augurs well for… Continue reading Global partnership can drive UK Auto growth
Driving investment in UK commercial vehicle manufacturing
SMMT today published the full year UK commercial vehicle production figures for 2025 showing 47,344 taxis, vans, trucks, buses and coaches left factory lines last year, down -62.3% on the previous year as a result of industry restructures and the closure of two factories. Creating an environment for investment to be made in manufacturing sites… Continue reading Driving investment in UK commercial vehicle manufacturing