Author: SMMT_UK_Manufacturers Official News

New van market still playing catch-up, despite Covid-contrived rise

56,122 vans registered in March, up 85.5% albeit compared to first month of 2020 Covid outbreak, a 20-year low for the market. Volumes down -10.9% on pre-Covid five-year average1 and behind industry expectations.2 Demand up across the board as all segments see boost, with growth driven by doubled registrations of larger vans. Performance year to… Continue reading New van market still playing catch-up, despite Covid-contrived rise

The only way is up for new car registrations as showrooms look to reopen

UK new car registrations ‘grow’ for first time since August – up 11.5% – but remain -36.9% adrift of 10-year March average. Showrooms ready for opening next week following Q1 shortfall of 58,032 fewer cars, at a cost of £1.8bn to industry. Around 8,300 registrations a day needed for a return to average pre-pandemic levels… Continue reading The only way is up for new car registrations as showrooms look to reopen

February UK engine production falls -20.5%

26 March 2021 #UK Manufacturing UK engine manufacturing output declines -20.5% in February with 170,271 units built. Production for domestic and overseas markets falls -13.1% and -25.9% respectively. Engine output has fallen by a quarter so far in 2021, down to 338,562 units. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, Now one year into the coronavirus… Continue reading February UK engine production falls -20.5%

UK commercial vehicle production down -45.4% in February

26 March 2021 #SMMT News #UK Manufacturing UK commercial vehicle manufacturing output declines for fifth month in a row, down -45.4% in February. Domestic and overseas orders see double-digit drops, with exports halved (-51.3%). Output down -38.3% in the first two months of the year, with 9,924 vans, trucks and buses leaving factories. UK commercial… Continue reading UK commercial vehicle production down -45.4% in February

February UK car production falls -14.0% as sector grapples with multiple issues

UK car production declines -14.0% in February, a loss of 17,163 units. Output for overseas markets tumbles -8.1%, with home orders down -34.9%. Figures highlight critical importance of reopening UK car showrooms on 12 April. UK car production fell -14.0% in February, with 105,008 units leaving factory gates, according to the latest figures released today… Continue reading February UK car production falls -14.0% as sector grapples with multiple issues

Business buyers in pole position on Race to Zero as consumers stuck on the grid for electric vehicle adoption

Fresh analysis reveals just 4.6% of car registrations by private buyers in 2020 were for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), compared to 8.7% for fleets and businesses. Industry sounds warning over 2030 ambition as retail incentives slashed, while 700 charge points need to be installed daily to support the market. SMMT unveils blueprint for electric revolution… Continue reading Business buyers in pole position on Race to Zero as consumers stuck on the grid for electric vehicle adoption

SMMT statement on changes to the plug-in car, van and truck grants

18 March 2021 #SMMT News Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, The decision to slash the Plug-in Car Grant and Van & Truck Grant is the wrong move at the wrong time. New battery electric technology is more expensive than conventional engines and incentives are essential in making these vehicles affordable to the customer. Cutting… Continue reading SMMT statement on changes to the plug-in car, van and truck grants

LCV registrations up 22.0% in February as larger vans drive market growth

04 March 2021 #LCVs #Registrations #SMMT News Registrations of new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) increase by 22.0% to 17,205 units in February. Growth driven by increased demand for larger vans, up 30.0% on last year. Year-to-date market up 9.5%, with 41,234 vehicles registered in 2021. SEE LCV REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA… Continue reading LCV registrations up 22.0% in February as larger vans drive market growth

New car registrations drop -35.5% as lockdown depresses demand ahead of ‘new reg’ month

Weakest February since 1959 as 28,282 fewer cars registered during traditionally quiet month. 1 Battery electric (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) continue to spark demand, accounting for more than one in eight registrations. Market outlook downgraded to 1.83 million registrations in 2021 as showroom closures continue to stall order books. SEE CAR REGISTRATIONS BY… Continue reading New car registrations drop -35.5% as lockdown depresses demand ahead of ‘new reg’ month