Familiar challenges but new opportunities for HGV sector

This week, SMMT released its second quarter registration figures for the HGV, Bus and Coach sectors, and mixed signals could be found. The UK new bus and coach market grew slightly by 0.6% to 1,066 units, with the good news that single-deck buses were up 65.3%, while double deckers – which represent a greater share… Continue reading Familiar challenges but new opportunities for HGV sector

Bus and coach demand struggles to recover from pandemic

1,066 new buses and coaches registered in Britain from April to June, up 0.6% on the same period last year. Q2 performance puts first half of 2022 up 17.9% year-on-year, with 2,040 vehicles registered – but market remains down -46.4% on the pre-pandemic five-year average. Ongoing weak ridership levels acting as discouragement to investment. SEE… Continue reading Bus and coach demand struggles to recover from pandemic

Demand for trucks steady in supply constrained market

UK heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations rise slightly by 0.4% to 9,533 units in the second quarter of 2022. Half-year registrations down -1.0% on 2021 and -29.5% below pre-pandemic 2019, as semiconductor and raw materials shortages continue to hamper supply. Action needed to ensure the UK remains a competitive market for new zero emission trucks.… Continue reading Demand for trucks steady in supply constrained market

UK-India FTA: Open letter to Secretary of State for International Trade

11 August 2022 #SMMT News In an open letter sent today to Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of 11 major cross-sector business groups calling for negotiators to prioritise substance over speed in the ‘once in a lifetime’ trade deal talks. Letter urges… Continue reading UK-India FTA: Open letter to Secretary of State for International Trade

Used car market falls despite electric boost

UK used car market falls -18.8% in Q2 2022 with 1,759,684 cars changing hands. First half transactions down -8.3% on last year and market now -12.8% year to date behind pre-pandemic 2019. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) see boost of 57.1% to reach one in 105 transactions. Download the used car sales report for Q2 2022… Continue reading Used car market falls despite electric boost

July LCV market down despite increasing demand for electric vehicles

Britain’s light commercial vehicle market falls -20.7% in July, the seventh consecutive month of year-on-year decline, with 18,722 new units registered. Battery electric van (BEV) registrations rise 21.2% in the month and 55.7% in year to date amid industry investment towards Net Zero, but sector’s transition still two years behind cars.1 Industry outlook revised downwards,… Continue reading July LCV market down despite increasing demand for electric vehicles

New car registrations fall as supply issues continue to bite

UK new car registrations fall -9.0% to 112,162 units as supply chain shortage continues to frustrate order fulfilment. Battery electric vehicles (BEV) buck trend, growing market share to 10.9%, but pace of growth slows. Industry outlook revised downwards, now anticipating a -2.8% fall in 2022 total new car registrations. SEE CAR REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD… Continue reading New car registrations fall as supply issues continue to bite

UK engine production down -12.7% in first half of 2022

28 July 2022 #UK Manufacturing Engine production declines -12.7% in first six months of 2022, totalling 812,397 units. Year to date output for export falls -9.7%, while production for the UK is down -16.4%. Measures to reduce business costs, including energy, must be a priority to protect UK competitiveness and jobs. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief… Continue reading UK engine production down -12.7% in first half of 2022

UK CV production grows 64.4% in June to round off best first half in a decade

UK commercial vehicle production grows 64.4% in June, with 9,549 units leaving British factory lines. Year-to-date output increases 47.4%, resulting in best first six months to a year since 2012. CV manufacturers show resilience but urgent action is needed to protect UK competitiveness. UK commercial vehicle (CV) production grew 64.4% in June with 9,549 units… Continue reading UK CV production grows 64.4% in June to round off best first half in a decade