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
Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News
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
CV output declines in April
SMMT today published the latest commercial vehicle (CV) production figures for the UK with 2,669 new buses, taxis, trucks and vans leaving the factory lines in April – a decline of -68.6% on last year. It comes as the later Easter, closure of a van factory at the end of March, and restructuring for new… Continue reading CV output declines in April
Five minutes with… Jason Chamberlain, Chief Revenue Officer at directtyre.com
Preventative tyre management is central to your offer at DTM. What are the key challenges to maximising both safety and efficiency? The biggest challenge is ensuring consistent execution across varied fleets and operational environments. Preventative tyre management isn’t just about reacting to wear, it requires a proactive, integrated approach that includes timely inspections, data analysis,… Continue reading Five minutes with… Jason Chamberlain, Chief Revenue Officer at directtyre.com
Why truck drivers’ mental health is key to our industry, economy and road safety
Truck drivers spend hours alone in a cab. Often, they are required to stay overnight in that cab on long-haul journeys and the feeling of isolation in an industry that relies internal resilience for a job that demands a fairly solitary existence, has inevitable consequences. Men’s Health Week 2025 takes place in the UK from 9-15… Continue reading Why truck drivers’ mental health is key to our industry, economy and road safety
£80m freight distribution hub set for Leicestershire
A state-of-the-art freight distribution hub is set to come to Leicestershire following a lease agreement by leading logistic network Pall-Ex and commercial property developer Barberry. Pall-Ex’s new Centre of Excellence will pave the way for construction on a site that will cover 408,000sq ft, with an additional 100,000sq ft canopy, on a 35-acre site. The… Continue reading £80m freight distribution hub set for Leicestershire