The implementation of the new trading agreement between the UK and US is good news for US customers and a huge relief for the UK automotive companies that export to this critically important market. It immediately slashes the punitive tariffs that brought the US export market to a standstill and threatened the viability of some… Continue reading SMMT statement on UK-US trade deal kicking into gear
Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News
A landmark week for UK industry
The publication of an Industrial Strategy on Monday – one with automotive at its heart – is the policy framework the sector has long-fought for and government has now addressed. Such a strategy – long-term, cross-Government and aligned to a trade strategy (itself published Monday) is the basis on which the UK automotive sector can… Continue reading A landmark week for UK industry
UK vehicle production constraints continue in May
New car and commercial vehicle production volumes fall, by -32.8% as multiple challenges beset industry. US share of exports shrinks prior to government securing new agreement with biggest single market. Industry welcomes Industrial Strategy as crucial foundation for recovery, with rapid implementation and action on energy costs critical to restoring competitive edge. File download UK… Continue reading UK vehicle production constraints continue in May
May 2025 new car pre-registration figures
SMMT released figures for May pre-registrations in the UK new car market. The data shows the number of cars disposed of by vehicle manufacturers in May 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 May 2025 new car pre-registration figures
Five minutes with… Andrew Whitehead, CEO, Protean
In-wheel electric motors appear to be playing catch-up as a technology for the LCV industry. What are the benefits against more conventional electric powertrains? In-wheel motors make better EVs. The technology offers a fundamentally different approach to electrification – removing the need for gearboxes, driveshafts and differentials by integrating the motor directly into the wheel… Continue reading Five minutes with… Andrew Whitehead, CEO, Protean
SMMT response to Government’s Trade Strategy
UK Automotive is a trade powerhouse, generating imports and exports worth £108 billion a year and typically Britain’s biggest exporter of manufactured goods. Free and fair trade is fundamental to our success and recent agreements with India, the US and, particularly, the EU signal that intention. Today’s trade strategy, aligned to the industrial strategy announced… Continue reading SMMT response to Government’s Trade Strategy
Driving forward: CV insights from the SMMT International Automotive Summit 2025
The SMMT’s annual International Automotive Summit took place this week, addressing the pressing issues facing the automotive industry and the commercial vehicle sector, and it boiled down to five key areas: international trade, the transition to net zero, technology, sustainability, and industrial strategy. The summit gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and supply chain experts to address… Continue reading Driving forward: CV insights from the SMMT International Automotive Summit 2025
Volvo Trucks launches upgraded Volvo Dynamic Steering system
Volvo has introduced a new function on its dynamic steering system that can detect a tyre blowout and immediately take action to keep the truck safely on the road. The new generation of Volvo Dynamic Steering is designed to detect a front tyre puncture and in a split second automatically mitigate the impact by assisting… Continue reading Volvo Trucks launches upgraded Volvo Dynamic Steering system
New Members – June
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 – June
Industrial Strategy can be springboard for UK auto success
Industry welcomes launch of UK Industrial Strategy as auto sector can deliver £50bn economic boost and return Britain to a top 15 global auto manufacturing hub. Success depends on right conditions and the inclusion of automotive in proposals to bring down energy costs, given UK pays highest prices – and taxes – in Europe. Market… Continue reading Industrial Strategy can be springboard for UK auto success