New data published by SMMT this week shows the fourth monthly decline in vehicle manufacturing in November which, while disappointing, is unsurprising given it continues trends seen across the year. With car factories retooling to produce EVs, volumes gradually normalising after a cyber incident and the consolidation of the UK’s volume van production from two plants into one, the challenges have been obvious, but industry can be more optimistic about a return to growth in 2026. A tangible sign of that increased positivity was the start of production of the next-generation Nissan LEAF in Sunderland after a £450… Continue reading What happens in Europe matters to UK Automotive
Category: Trade Body Site
Vehicle output down in November as next gen EV production poised to begin
Vehicle production down -14.3% in November with 65,932 cars and commercial vehicles leaving factories. Car output dips -1.7% as output normalises following cyber incident, while commercial vehicle volumes drop for eighth month, by -78.0%. News comes as EV production resumes in Sunderland, with major new model signposting growth next year. UK sector cautions over impact… Continue reading Vehicle output down in November as next gen EV production poised to begin
A year of transformation in the heavy vehicle sector
As we surge along to the end of the year, it’s worth looking back at some of 2025’s key highlights – skills investments, HGV charging rollout, and biggest change for buses in 40 years. In February, SMMT marked National Apprenticeship Week with its annual Apprentice Showcase in Parliament – with strong representation from leading van… Continue reading A year of transformation in the heavy vehicle sector
Five minutes with… Robert Katzer, Head of Sales & Product Bus at MAN Truck & Bus
Tell us about the new MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E? The Lion’s Coach 14 E, the first battery-electric coach from a major European manufacturer, celebrated its world premiere at Busworld in Brussels in October. This fully electric coach uses the proven drive technology from the successfully series-produced eTruck and innovative lithium-ion battery technology (NMC) battery… Continue reading Five minutes with… Robert Katzer, Head of Sales & Product Bus at MAN Truck & Bus
RHA welcomes Scotland’s 50mph HGV limit
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed a Scottish government announcement that the speed limit for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on Scotland’s trunk roads is to be increased to 50mph. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced that the government will be starting the parliamentary process to alter the trunk road limit following a public consultation.… Continue reading RHA welcomes Scotland’s 50mph HGV limit
VEV partners with Mercedes-Benz TruckCharge
VEV has announced that it is to partner with the Mercedes-Benz TruckCharge consultancy service, designed to help customers decarbonise their operations. Supported by energy trader, Vitol, VEV will provide the vehicle manufacturer with its proprietary VEV-IQ software platform – a system that integrates vehicles, charging infrastructure and power management through a single, operator portal. TruckCharge… Continue reading VEV partners with Mercedes-Benz TruckCharge
TPS doubles number of parts delivery fleet EVs
The parts business of Volkswagen Group UK, TPS, has doubled the volume of EVs in its 680-strong fleet over the past 12 months. This follows successful pilots with Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo models, meaning more than one in ten vehicles on the TPS fleet is now electric. Across the UK’s 83 TPS… Continue reading TPS doubles number of parts delivery fleet EVs
IG Metall: EU Commission with the right proposals, industry now has a duty
Frankfurt am Main – The EU Commission has responded to the difficult situation in the automotive industry with a comprehensive package. The proposal contains many elements that IG Metall has called for and suggested in recent months. The revision of the CO2 regulation combines flexibility in the forms of propulsion with maintaining the climate targets.… Continue reading IG Metall: EU Commission with the right proposals, industry now has a duty
IG Metall on the establishment of the pension commission
Christiane Benner, first chairwoman of IG Metall, comments on the establishment of the pension commission December 17, 202517. 12, 2025 Christiane Benner, first chairwoman of IG Metall, comments on the establishment of the pension commission: “The pension commission set up today is faced with major tasks: to unite and be united where there is still… Continue reading IG Metall on the establishment of the pension commission
IG Metall to extend the period of receipt of short-time work benefits
Christiane Benner, First Chairwoman of IG Metall, on the extension of the duration of the short-time working allowance: December 17, 202517. 12, 2025 “In short and sweet – short-time work benefits are coming. This creates security for our colleagues in uncertain times. We very much welcome this important bridge over economic downturns. Many people in… Continue reading IG Metall to extend the period of receipt of short-time work benefits