New data published by SMMT this week shows the fourth monthly decline in vehicle manufacturing in November which, while disappointing, is unsurprising given it continues trends seen across the year. With car factories retooling to produce EVs, volumes gradually normalising after a cyber incident and the consolidation of the UK’s volume van production from two plants into one, the challenges have been obvious, but industry can be more optimistic about a return to growth in 2026. A tangible sign of that increased positivity was the start of production of the next-generation Nissan LEAF in Sunderland after a £450… Continue reading What happens in Europe matters to UK Automotive
Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News
Vehicle output down in November as next gen EV production poised to begin
Vehicle production down -14.3% in November with 65,932 cars and commercial vehicles leaving factories. Car output dips -1.7% as output normalises following cyber incident, while commercial vehicle volumes drop for eighth month, by -78.0%. News comes as EV production resumes in Sunderland, with major new model signposting growth next year. UK sector cautions over impact… Continue reading Vehicle output down in November as next gen EV production poised to begin
A year of transformation in the heavy vehicle sector
As we surge along to the end of the year, it’s worth looking back at some of 2025’s key highlights – skills investments, HGV charging rollout, and biggest change for buses in 40 years. In February, SMMT marked National Apprenticeship Week with its annual Apprentice Showcase in Parliament – with strong representation from leading van… Continue reading A year of transformation in the heavy vehicle sector
Five minutes with… Robert Katzer, Head of Sales & Product Bus at MAN Truck & Bus
Tell us about the new MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E? The Lion’s Coach 14 E, the first battery-electric coach from a major European manufacturer, celebrated its world premiere at Busworld in Brussels in October. This fully electric coach uses the proven drive technology from the successfully series-produced eTruck and innovative lithium-ion battery technology (NMC) battery… Continue reading Five minutes with… Robert Katzer, Head of Sales & Product Bus at MAN Truck & Bus
RHA welcomes Scotland’s 50mph HGV limit
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed a Scottish government announcement that the speed limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on Scotland’s trunk roads is to be increased to 50mph. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced that the government will be starting the parliamentary process to alter the trunk road limit following a public consultation.… Continue reading RHA welcomes Scotland’s 50mph HGV limit
VEV partners with Mercedes-Benz TruckCharge
VEV has announced that it is to partner with the Mercedes-Benz TruckCharge consultancy service, designed to help customers decarbonise their operations. Supported by energy trader, Vitol, VEV will provide the vehicle manufacturer with its proprietary VEV-IQ software platform – a system that integrates vehicles, charging infrastructure and power management through a single, operator portal. TruckCharge… Continue reading VEV partners with Mercedes-Benz TruckCharge
TPS doubles number of parts delivery fleet EVs
The parts business of Volkswagen Group UK, TPS, has doubled the volume of EVs in its 680-strong fleet over the past 12 months. This follows successful pilots with Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo models, meaning more than one in ten vehicles on the TPS fleet is now electric. Across the UK’s 83 TPS… Continue reading TPS doubles number of parts delivery fleet EVs
November 2025 new car pre-registration figures
SMMT released figures for November pre-registrations in the UK new car market. The data shows the number of cars disposed of by vehicle manufacturers in November 2025 that were defined as pre-registrations. The Supply of New Cars Order 2000 requires motor manufacturers to publish the number of pre-registered cars supplied and the gross income received… Continue reading November 2025 new car pre-registration figures
SMMT statement on South Korea free trade deal
SMMT statement on South Korea free trade deal Agreement of an upgraded UK-South Korea FTA is great news and something for which the industry has long called. South Korea remains a crucial market for UK automotive exports, with South Korean car marques being some of the most popular in Britain so there is great potential… Continue reading SMMT statement on South Korea free trade deal
Time to build confidence in self-driving vehicles
Self-driving vehicles offer immense potential to improve road safety, transport accessibility and drive new jobs and growth – but it is vital that everyone is on board with this cutting-edge technology. 2026 is set to see automated passenger services piloted on UK roads and government’s new call for evidence to shape a regulatory framework is a welcome… Continue reading Time to build confidence in self-driving vehicles