New van market records highest April registrations in history

30,440 vans registered in April, the highest-ever total for the month since records began. Registrations up 23.2% on five-year average. Sector currently back at 2019 registration levels, supported by growth in large van uptake. SEE LCV REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE The light commercial vehicle market recorded its busiest ever April… Continue reading New van market records highest April registrations in history

UK engine production rises 31.7% in March

29 April 2021 #UK Manufacturing March UK engine production rises 31.7% in 2021, compared with Covid-hit month a year ago. Output for domestic and overseas markets increases 50.4% and 19.9% respectively. Performance in first quarter still down -11.1%, with 534,793 engines manufactured. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, These figures must be set in context… Continue reading UK engine production rises 31.7% in March

UK car production rises on anniversary of pandemic-driven factory shuttering

March UK car output grows 46.6% against Covid hit 2020 when pandemic forced factories to close. Monthly performance down -22.8% on five-year March average and Q1 down -4.0% year-on-year. Companies continue to wrestle with global supply chain issues, impact of new EU trading arrangements and Covid recovery at home and abroad. New SMMT member survey… Continue reading UK car production rises on anniversary of pandemic-driven factory shuttering

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