Last month, the Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed the extension of the Plug-in Van Grant for another year until April 2026, which will help more fleets and businesses switch to zero emission vans (ZEVs). The £120 million fund will offer receive grants of up to £2,500 for buying small ZEVs up to 2.5 tonnes, and… Continue reading Government commits further £120 million to zero emission van grant
Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News
Transport minister visits Wrightbus Oxfordshire factory
Wrightbus has announced it will create 50 additional jobs at its NewPower factory in Oxfordshire as it ramps up the transformation of diesel buses to electric. Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood visited NewPower facility in Bicester to see the repowering process first-hand and officially open the 40,000sq ft facility. There are already 65 people working… Continue reading Transport minister visits Wrightbus Oxfordshire factory
EMG/Gravity Media goes green with Volvo FE Electric rigid
EMG/Gravity Media has added a new Volvo FE Electric 4×2 rigid into its operation, that will be used to transport equipment to support outside broadcasts across Greater London. Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the rigid – mounted with Bevan Group bodywork – is an addition to its 69-strong commercial vehicle fleet. The… Continue reading EMG/Gravity Media goes green with Volvo FE Electric rigid
Electric vans up as overall market contracts in February
New light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations fall -19.3% in February to 14,476 units, in third consecutive monthly decline. Smaller vans seize demand, increasing by 55.3% to 427 units, as other segments contract. Electric van uptake grows 55.1% to 1,413 units, taking 9.7% market share – but well short of 2025’s mandated 16%. Data download Demand… Continue reading Electric vans up as overall market contracts in February
EVs account for one in four new car registrations in flat February market
New car market declines by -1.0% to 84,054 units, marking the fifth consecutive monthly drop. Rises in private and business buyer volumes offset by fall in fleet registrations. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries rise 41.7% to 21,244 units, accounting for one in four new car registrations. Data download The UK new car market fell slightly… Continue reading EVs account for one in four new car registrations in flat February market
Making the EV transition a strategic priority
Automotive manufacturers are facing a perfect storm of international trade uncertainty, challenging manufacturing conditions and a global EV transition that’s proving tougher than expected – issues that affect the UK amid key model changeovers on factory lines. It’s not unexpected, therefore, that the latest SMMT data published this week showed a -17.7% dip in UK… Continue reading Making the EV transition a strategic priority
Vehicle production down in January as sector faces global headwinds
British car and commercial vehicle production declines -17.7% to 78,012 units in January compared with bumper first month for both sectors last year. Car output falls -14.3% to 71,104 units, with CV volumes down -41.5% to 6,908 units. Industry calls for Industrial and trade strategies to support the competitiveness of UK Automotive. UK vehicle production… Continue reading Vehicle production down in January as sector faces global headwinds
New Members – February
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 – February
January new car pre-registration figures
SMMT released figures for January pre-registrations in the UK new car market. The data shows the number of cars disposed of by vehicle manufacturers in January 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 January new car pre-registration figures
UK Automotive launches veterans career guide to boost workforce for ‘green growth decade’
SMMT partners with Mission Automotive to launch veterans career guide and boost recruitment of ex-Armed Forces personnel. Veterans offer years of relevant expertise and transferable skills, making them mission-ready for a long-term, well-paid automotive career. Launch marks National Transition Event held at Silverstone Circuit today attended by Forces leavers, businesses, third sector and government. The… Continue reading UK Automotive launches veterans career guide to boost workforce for ‘green growth decade’