Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News

Car production down as sector calls on next government to enhance competitiveness

UK car manufacturing output falls -7.0% in April as factories retool for an electric future. 61,820 cars roll off production lines with output for the UK up 19.8% as exports fall -12.7%. Ahead of general election, SMMT’s Manifesto 2030 sets out steps for next government to secure future success for UK Automotive on road to… Continue reading Car production down as sector calls on next government to enhance competitiveness

Brits enjoy best ever EV choice with more than a hundred models now available

British motorists benefit from more EV choice than ever with 102 models now available as zero emission. Some EVs on sale with max range of 450 miles, more than three times the average distance drivers travel in a week. Manufacturer investment and innovation must be matched by other stakeholders as industry calls for fair taxes… Continue reading Brits enjoy best ever EV choice with more than a hundred models now available

Britain’s buses need a timetable to arrive at Net Zero

UK’s bus market could be first vehicle sector to decarbonise, with more than four in 10 new single and double deckers now zero emission. National rollout currently uneven with almost half of all ZEV buses registered in 2023 going to London, despite the city accounting for fewer than one in six of the UK’s buses.… Continue reading Britain’s buses need a timetable to arrive at Net Zero

SMMT statement welcoming Automated Vehicles Act receiving Royal Assent

20 May 2024 #SMMT News #Statements Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: This is a watershed moment for UK automotive innovation and road safety in the UK. Self-driving vehicles will revolutionise our society, and this new law will help turn ambition into reality, putting the UK alongside a handful of other global markets that already have… Continue reading SMMT statement welcoming Automated Vehicles Act receiving Royal Assent

Britain’s bus market begins 2024 with green boost

UK’s rollout of new buses, coaches and minibuses accelerates in first quarter, surging 74.6%. Minibus demand more than doubles, while single and double decker uptake rises 33.6% and 70.0% respectively. Zero emission demand rises by 22.9%, boosting access to mass green mobility – but sensible derogation must come sooner to open up earlier adoption of… Continue reading Britain’s bus market begins 2024 with green boost

HGV growth stabilises while zero emission market share rises

UK new heavy vehicle market falls slightly following bumper two years, down -3.9%. Rigid HGV uptake rises 8.4% but growth offset by -16.5% decline in articulated trucks following fulfilment of pent-up demand. BEV uptake rises 56.3% to reach 0.5% share of market, but action on incentives and infrastructure vital for market development. SEE HGV REGISTRATIONS… Continue reading HGV growth stabilises while zero emission market share rises

Used car market hits five year high as EVs reach record share

UK used car market grows 6.5% to almost 2 million units in Q1 2024 – the fifth quarter of successive growth. Best start to a year since 2019 as second-hand market hits five year high. Zero emission car sales up 71.0% with highest ever market share at 2.1%. Download the used car sales report for… Continue reading Used car market hits five year high as EVs reach record share

New van market records best April for three years but electric transition needs boost

New light commercial vehicle market up 5.4% in April, marking 16th consecutive month of growth. Battery electric van demand falls by -42.4%, with urgent need to ramp up van chargepoint rollout. Latest SMMT outlook expects UK new van registrations to grow by 3.3% in 2024. SEE LCV REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA… Continue reading New van market records best April for three years but electric transition needs boost

New car market growth continues despite declining private demand

New car registrations record 21st month of growth, rising 1.0% in April. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) market share rises to 16.9%, sustained entirely by business buyers, as private retail demand continues to drop. New 2024 market outlook revises overall uptake upwards to 1.984m units, but BEV share downgraded to 19.8% as weakened private retail demand… Continue reading New car market growth continues despite declining private demand