Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News

UK’s specialist vehicle sector most varied in the world

UK’s unique low volume and specialist vehicle sector is world’s most diverse according to new report. Companies nationwide make everything from 250mph hypercars to wheelchair accessible taxis. Sector turns over some £4bn annually and employs more than 15,000 people in highly-skilled, well paid roles. Industry calls for government to support specific needs of these manufacturers… Continue reading UK’s specialist vehicle sector most varied in the world

SMMT statement on Transport Decarbonisation Plan

14 July 2021 #SMMT News SMMT response to Government publishing world’s first ‘greenprint’ to decarbonise all modes of domestic transport by 2050 The automotive sector welcomes the publication of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan and associated consultations, which are necessary to create a clear and supportive framework to accelerate the transition to net zero mobility. The… Continue reading SMMT statement on Transport Decarbonisation Plan

New car market recovery squeezed by supply issues

186,128 new cars registered in June, up 28.0% on same month last year when most dealerships reopened after first lockdown. Uptake down -16.4% on 10-year June average and down -26.8% year to date. Consumer confidence steady but global semiconductor shortage impacts vehicle supply. SEE CAR REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE New… Continue reading New car market recovery squeezed by supply issues

SMMT Response to Sunderland gigafactory announcement

01 July 2021 #SMMT News Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said Today’s announcement of new investment into battery production in Sunderland is great news for the sector, the region and all those employed locally. It also demonstrates the UK automotive industry’s commitment to net zero and that the transition to these new electrified vehicles can… Continue reading SMMT Response to Sunderland gigafactory announcement

Full throttle needed for UK automotive success

‘Full Throttle: Driving UK Automotive Competitiveness’ explains how government can deliver manufacturing competitiveness in the transition to net-zero and help ‘level-up’. Sector calls for a ‘Build Back Better Fund’, 60 GWh of gigafactory capacity and 2.3 million charge points by 2030. Industry has potential to gain 40,000 jobs this decade but, if left stranded, risks… Continue reading Full throttle needed for UK automotive success

UK commercial vehicle production up 2.2% on pre-pandemic levels

25 June 2021 #UK Manufacturing 6,243 units roll off production lines in May, up from 820 in pandemic-lockdown May 2020. British commercial vehicle output up 2.2% on the five-year average for May.1 Year-to-date production up 28.5% on 2020, but remains -21.2% down on pre-pandemic average.2 UK commercial vehicle (CV) production increased to 6,243 units in… Continue reading UK commercial vehicle production up 2.2% on pre-pandemic levels

Van market reaches new heights with best May on record for registrations

29,354 new vans join UK roads in May, the best-ever performance for the month. Registrations up 4.7% on pre-pandemic five-year average, some 1,313 vehicles more.1 Sector sees best ever year-to-date growth, with 157,150 vans registered in first five months of the year. SEE LCV REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE The light… Continue reading Van market reaches new heights with best May on record for registrations

Business confidence drives cautious recovery in new car registrations

156,737 new cars registered in May – significantly up from last year when retailer doors were shut during the pandemic. Plug-in vehicle market continues to rise, accounting for 13.8% of registrations in 2021 so far Despite more positive economic outlook, total registrations over the year to date remain down –29.1% on 10-year average.1 SEE CAR… Continue reading Business confidence drives cautious recovery in new car registrations