Industry got back to business this week, with positive news that new car registrations topped two million units in 2025 – for the first time this decade, according to fresh SMMT data. It reflects a robust 2025 performance, with demand up 3.5% despite a tough economic setting and turbulent geopolitical backdrop – but all eyes… Continue reading New car market up but ZEV trajectory unviable
Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News
Making 2026 the year market realities meet regulatory ambition
This week, SMMT published the UK’s full-year light commercial vehicle registration figures, showing 315,422 registrations across 2025 – a decline of -10.3% year-on-year amid a tough economic environment which constrained fleet renewal. Accelerating new electric van demand is critical and it increased significantly in 2025, with 30,169 registrations – up 36.2% on the previous year… Continue reading Making 2026 the year market realities meet regulatory ambition
Five minutes with… Harald Seidel, President, DAF Trucks
Tell us about DAF’s New Generation XD and XF Electrics, recently awarded International Truck of the Year 2026 at the Solutrans exhibition in France? Both innovative vehicle series are based on the multi-award-winning XD and XF series, and offer the same unrivalled quality, efficiency and safety combined with astounding driver comfort. The XD and XF… Continue reading Five minutes with… Harald Seidel, President, DAF Trucks
Hot wheels: How tyre management helps operators
Many transport operators have formed close relationships with tyre manufacturers and suppliers to cut downtime and benefit from proactive monitoring as well as reactive maintenance. The value of a carefully managed tyre policy through several lives, including the provision of the best possible fitments, also makes sense from a safety, environmental and cost perspective. For… Continue reading Hot wheels: How tyre management helps operators
RHA partners with Hughes to boost HGV driver training
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has partnered with a leading National HGV driver training provider in a move designed to get more people behind the wheel of Britain’s truck and busses. RHA members will benefit from the new partnership with Hughes Driver Training through access to discounted rates. Operators can also book training courses for… Continue reading RHA partners with Hughes to boost HGV driver training
Alexander Dennis launches digital warranty management system
Alexander Dennis is launching a digital warranty management system through its AD24 service portal, designed to deliver measurable benefits for bus operators by streamlining their warranty process. The new AD24 digital warranty management will go live for UK customers on 19 January, with international markets to follow in subsequent months. Customers will be able to… Continue reading Alexander Dennis launches digital warranty management system
SMMT statement on Road Safety strategy
SMMT statement on Road Safety strategy Safety is the automotive industry’s number one priority with manufacturers continually investing to develop new, innovative technology solutions to ensure the best levels of accident prevention and protection for drivers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. This strategy has the potential to reduce casualties further and the industry looks… Continue reading SMMT statement on Road Safety strategy
SMMT statement on expansion of Plug-in Truck Grant
SMMT statement on expansion of Plug-in Truck Grant Accelerating the HGV transition is vital for decarbonisation and expanding the Plug-in Truck Grant will help more operators to adopt zero emission models. Manufacturers have already developed these technologies and are deploying them in many markets, despite hesitant demand. Moving from early adoption to mass market, however,… Continue reading SMMT statement on expansion of Plug-in Truck Grant
UK new car market breaches two million as almost one in four buyers go electric
New car registrations reach 2.02 million in 2025 with market up 3.5% year on year. Internal combustion engine still biggest selling powertrain but growing demand for electrified cars narrows majority to just 51.5%.1 Almost half a million new BEVs join the road as around one in four buyers go electric – but gap between demand… Continue reading UK new car market breaches two million as almost one in four buyers go electric
Van market shrinks in 2025 despite EV growth
New light commercial vehicle market declines by -10.3% with 315,422 registrations in 2025. All but lower-volume segments contract, including pick-ups after double cab tax change ends growth. EV demand rises 36.2% but still well below mandated level, with steep 2026 ambition requiring urgent review. Data download The UK’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market declined… Continue reading Van market shrinks in 2025 despite EV growth