SMMT, techUK, RoSPA, RoadSafe, RNIB and Motability Operations welcome government announcement to accelerate self-driving vehicle rollout. Technology could deliver £66 billion in economic benefit and 342,000 jobs by 2040. Potential to save 3,900 lives and avert 60,000 serious collisions over same period. The government’s latest measures to ensure Britain remains a world leader in the… Continue reading Britain in the fast lane for self-driving vehicles
Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News
Spending Review can renew EV ambitions
The latest SMMT data published this week shows the UK’s new car market moved in the right direction in May, with a return to overall growth and EV uptake on the rise – but bolder ambition is needed to drive the economic growth and decarbonisation the country needs. Indeed, last month’s uplift was just the… Continue reading Spending Review can renew EV ambitions
30 limited edition Volvo FH Aero trucks to go on sale
Volvo Trucks has launched its first special edition model in the UK & Ireland for five years with the Volvo FH Aero ‘Euro NCAP’ Special Edition – limited to only 30 examples. Finished in a black, yellow and gold livery, the vehicle celebrates the five star rating secured by the FH Aero in last year’s… Continue reading 30 limited edition Volvo FH Aero trucks to go on sale
Unblocking the market for the latest LCVs
Today SMMT published the UK’s latest market data for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs), showing 22,796 vans, 4x4s and pick-ups joined UK roads in May – a decline of 11.8% on the same month year. It is the market’s sixth monthly fall in a row as weak business confidence means fleets continue to hold back… Continue reading Unblocking the market for the latest LCVs
Five minutes with… Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland
What do you think are the major challenges for the CV industry at the moment? The commercial vehicle sector faces complex challenges that affect every part of the value chain, from suppliers and manufacturers to dealers and operators. Rapid advances in technology, the push for decarbonisation and the need to stay competitive are reshaping how… Continue reading Five minutes with… Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland
Commercial vehicle contract hire company Vertellus supplies MJD Group with 30 new Renault trucks
MJD Group has added 30 new Renault Trucks T480 turbo compound tractor units to its fleet. Supplied by Vertellus, in collaboration with its shareholder partner Renault Truck Commercials’ Rental Plus, the trucks will be used across MJD’s blue-chip customer deliveries such as Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Tarmac and Amazon. The contract hire agreement comes with Renault Trucks’ Optifleet… Continue reading Commercial vehicle contract hire company Vertellus supplies MJD Group with 30 new Renault trucks
Days until driving licence rules change for zero emissions vans
New driving licence rules will come into effect this month allowing holders of a standard category B licence to drive zero emission vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes, without the need for an additional five hours training. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles confirmed the change will take effect from 10 June, increasing the current 3.5-tonne limit to account for… Continue reading Days until driving licence rules change for zero emissions vans
SMMT International Update June 2025
Partnerships and deals strengthen UK relationships Frances Woodman, International Manager, shares about upcoming activities for the June edition of the SMMT International Update. SMMT is always monitoring new markets and events that can enhance our international programme and give UK automotive businesses the opportunities they need to grow. Thailand is a recent example, with SMMT… Continue reading SMMT International Update June 2025
UK’s £56.5bn aftermarket sector gears up for Automechanika Birmingham
Aftermarket sector is set to take the spotlight at one of the largest aftermarket trade shows today. Despite economic pressure, sector is still performing well due to resilient demand for vehicle upkeep. SMMT to introduce brand new event, Meet the Van Accessories, on the final day of the show. The UK’s £56.5bn aftermarket sector is… Continue reading UK’s £56.5bn aftermarket sector gears up for Automechanika Birmingham
Industrial Strategy can multiply trade and investment
A challenging start to the year for UK automotive manufacturers continued into April, with the latest SMMT data out this week showing vehicle output at a 70-year low for the month. The performance is a reflection of an industry undergoing immense transformation amid strong global headwinds. For the car sector, weak demand in key markets and… Continue reading Industrial Strategy can multiply trade and investment