SMMT re-launches Apprentice Support Programme to aid automotive talent recovery

SMMT Charitable Trust Fund (SCTF) re-launches £100,000 fund to help Covid-hit automotive businesses protect apprenticeship jobs as government’s furlough scheme ends. SMMT Apprentice Support Programme is accepting applications from small and medium automotive firms from across the entire supply chain. Successful applicants will have apprentice salaries all or in part covered for a year, ensuring… Continue reading SMMT re-launches Apprentice Support Programme to aid automotive talent recovery

September LCV sales disappoint but heavy van uptake remains robust

LCV market declines by -39.5% in September as the semiconductor shortage creates supply challenge. New van uptake remains up 28.4% over the year-to-date but -5.9% on five-year pre-pandemic average. Heavy van uptake up 39.3% on 2020, with 181,954 registered over the year-to-date. SEE LCV REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE The September… Continue reading September LCV sales disappoint but heavy van uptake remains robust

Battery electric vehicles power on despite supply issues bedevilling new car market

New car registrations fall -34.4% on Covid-hit 2020 to 215,312 units, the weakest September since 1998, before the twice-a-year number plate system was introduced. Supply issues caused by semiconductor shortages continue to plague industry Battery electric vehicles charge ahead as 32,721 join the road – the best monthly performance ever. SEE CAR REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND… Continue reading Battery electric vehicles power on despite supply issues bedevilling new car market

Commercial vehicle output stalls in August with a -35.1% fall

30 September 2021 #UK Manufacturing 3,179 commercial vehicles produced during August, a decrease of -35.1% on 2020, as output remains-20.0% below the five-year average for the month.1 Exports of commercial vehicles drop by -19.3%, while domestic demand saw a more significant decline of -52.3%. Given previous robust increases, year-to-date production remains 18.2% up on a… Continue reading Commercial vehicle output stalls in August with a -35.1% fall

August car production falls as global chip shortage continues to bite

British car production falls -27.0% in August with 37,246 units leaving factory gates. Global chip shortage and some extended summer factory shutdowns dent overall performance. Battery electric and hybrid car manufacturing output hits record 27.6% production share. UK car production fell -27.0% in August, the second consecutive month of decline, with 37,246 cars manufactured, according… Continue reading August car production falls as global chip shortage continues to bite

Van registrations swell for summer but semi-conductor shortage concerns loom

Industry records second best ever August with 20,582 new van registrations during typically one of the quietest month in the year. New van uptake up 2.6% year to date on pre-pandemic average. Semi-conductor shortages in manufacturing still threaten production and market. SEE LCV REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE The new light… Continue reading Van registrations swell for summer but semi-conductor shortage concerns loom

Electrified vehicle demand surges in small volume August but supply issues undermine overall market

August new car registrations fall -22.0% in traditionally quiet month pre-plate change. Demand for battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars surges with PHEVs rising most, up 72.1%. Market year-to-date up 20.3% against Covid hit 2020, but below pre-pandemic levels as sector still battles Covid-related chip shortages. SEE CAR REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE… Continue reading Electrified vehicle demand surges in small volume August but supply issues undermine overall market

Commercial vehicle industry calls for decarbonisation plans before bans

New analysis reveals that, due to lack of clear diesel replacement technology, just 0.2% of HGVs on the road are alternatively fuelled – the same proportion as cars in 2007. One in 38 new vans registered in 2021 is pure electric, compared to one in 12 cars. Government support for infrastructure, technological development and long-term… Continue reading Commercial vehicle industry calls for decarbonisation plans before bans