Automotive innovation is accelerating quickly across the UK so there is no time to get cold feet and fall behind – and refrigeration unit makers are joining the race in increasing numbers, providing sophisticated solutions for temperature-controlled transport operators to enhance efficiency while cutting environmental impacts. Indeed, the most forward thinking hauliers in the sector… Continue reading Keeping cool: decarbonisation of refrigerated transport
Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News
Wales urged to increase bus speeds and cut journey times
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has delivered a manifesto for change to the Welsh Parliament calling for urgent town planning measures to reduce bus journey times. Its Driving Wales Forward document is a cross-party call for investment, ahead of May’s Senedd elections, to create the conditions for public transport to prosper. In its manifesto, CPT Cymru… Continue reading Wales urged to increase bus speeds and cut journey times
Building work starts at Gridserve eHGV charging hubs
Building work has started at two of the seven proposed public eHGV charging locations in Gridserve’s Electric Freightway programme. The firm’s first eHGV charging hubs at Extra Baldock, on J10 of the A1(M), and Moto Exeter, at J30 of the M5, are due to open in December. These services station locations, which are on key… Continue reading Building work starts at Gridserve eHGV charging hubs
SMMT International Update November 2025
From Prague to Paris Simon Winterbottom, International Manager, shares about international activities for the November edition of the SMMT International Update. This week, SMMT is taking a delegation of UK companies on a trade mission to the CEE Automotive Supply Chain in Olomouc, Czech Republic, to explore supply chain opportunities covering the wider Central and… Continue reading SMMT International Update November 2025
New car market holds steady in October but new tax policy threatens market decline
New car market rises 0.5% to 144,948 units as battery electric cars take 25.4% market share. Latest industry outlook anticipates overall market to breach two million units this year for the first time since 2019. Sector calls on government to abandon plans to scrap Employee Car Ownership Schemes, which would throw market into decline with… Continue reading New car market holds steady in October but new tax policy threatens market decline
New Members – October
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 – October
New van market falls in October as electric uptake dips
New light commercial vehicle registrations decline by -15.1% in October to 22,896 units. Battery electric van (BEV) uptake also down, by -5.8%, in first decline for 13 months. Year-to-date BEV demand still up 47.4% but urgent action needed to deliver mandated ambition. Data download UK deliveries of new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) fell by -15.1%… Continue reading New van market falls in October as electric uptake dips
Building on Britain’s edge for innovation
The UK is one of the destinations of choice for leading automotive companies seeking a competitive edge through technological innovation thanks to our world-class R&D expertise and ecosystem – and it’s a global excellence on which we’re doubling down. Indeed, as SMMT’s latest report Driving Automotive Innovation: Insights From Industry published this week shows, the UK benefitted… Continue reading Building on Britain’s edge for innovation
Britain’s bus fleets get new boost
A key moment for public transport in England came this week as the Bus Services Act became law, with reforms aimed at improving the reliability, accessibility and safety of bus services – giving local authorities the power to adopt franchising models and, for the first time in four decades, establish municipal bus companies. As such,… Continue reading Britain’s bus fleets get new boost
Five minutes with… Valerie Johnstone, Finance Manager, Gray & Adams Trailers
What’s your background, and what brought you to Gray & Adams? I’ve spent around 20 years working in the finance industry, mainly within the oil sector and, more recently, in agriculture. Over that time, I’ve worked my way through a variety of finance roles, gradually building up my experience and taking on more responsibility. When the… Continue reading Five minutes with… Valerie Johnstone, Finance Manager, Gray & Adams Trailers