The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has partnered with a leading National HGV driver training provider in a move designed to get more people behind the wheel of Britain’s truck and busses. RHA members will benefit from the new partnership with Hughes Driver Training through access to discounted rates. Operators can also book training courses for… Continue reading RHA partners with Hughes to boost HGV driver training
Category: Trade Body Site
Alexander Dennis launches digital warranty management system
Alexander Dennis is launching a digital warranty management system through its AD24 service portal, designed to deliver measurable benefits for bus operators by streamlining their warranty process. The new AD24 digital warranty management will go live for UK customers on 19 January, with international markets to follow in subsequent months. Customers will be able to… Continue reading Alexander Dennis launches digital warranty management system
SMMT statement on Road Safety strategy
SMMT statement on Road Safety strategy Safety is the automotive industry’s number one priority with manufacturers continually investing to develop new, innovative technology solutions to ensure the best levels of accident prevention and protection for drivers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. This strategy has the potential to reduce casualties further and the industry looks… Continue reading SMMT statement on Road Safety strategy
The pension commission must not become a cuts commission
“The Pension Commission must show ways in which the statutory pension remains stable and strong in the long term – beyond 2031. The signals so far regarding the commission’s mission and goal are sobering: instead of strengthening pensions, austerity plans, cuts and debates about a higher retirement age dominate. The younger generations in particular must… Continue reading The pension commission must not become a cuts commission
SMMT statement on expansion of Plug-in Truck Grant
SMMT statement on expansion of Plug-in Truck Grant Accelerating the HGV transition is vital for decarbonisation and expanding the Plug-in Truck Grant will help more operators to adopt zero emission models. Manufacturers have already developed these technologies and are deploying them in many markets, despite hesitant demand. Moving from early adoption to mass market, however,… Continue reading SMMT statement on expansion of Plug-in Truck Grant
UK new car market breaches two million as almost one in four buyers go electric
New car registrations reach 2.02 million in 2025 with market up 3.5% year on year. Internal combustion engine still biggest selling powertrain but growing demand for electrified cars narrows majority to just 51.5%.1 Almost half a million new BEVs join the road as around one in four buyers go electric – but gap between demand… Continue reading UK new car market breaches two million as almost one in four buyers go electric
Van market shrinks in 2025 despite EV growth
New light commercial vehicle market declines by -10.3% with 315,422 registrations in 2025. All but lower-volume segments contract, including pick-ups after double cab tax change ends growth. EV demand rises 36.2% but still well below mandated level, with steep 2026 ambition requiring urgent review. Data download The UK’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market declined… Continue reading Van market shrinks in 2025 despite EV growth
New Members – December
Find out below who has joined the premier automotive trade association and what they get from membership: SMMT data services Extensive market data providing key information to assist marketing and promotional activity, and future business opportunities. Developing business opportunities SMMT’s targeted events and Automotive Supplier Finder (ASF) service helps facilitate opportunities by matching buyers to… Continue reading New Members – December
Wood and plastics industry: Employers block, IG Metall starts warning strikes
Frankfurt am Main – From January 7th, the IG Metall union is calling on employees in the wood and plastics processing industry to go on warning strikes. The industry has a total of 166,000 employees nationwide. Collective bargaining officer Nadine Boguslawski described the behavior of the employers’ associations in the first collective bargaining negotiations as… Continue reading Wood and plastics industry: Employers block, IG Metall starts warning strikes
EU Commission falls short
The European Commission has expanded the possibilities for state aid for energy-intensive companies. Jürgen Kerner, Second Chairman of IG Metall: December 23, 202523. 12, 2025 “Significantly lower energy costs are crucial for jobs and companies in Germany, especially in industry. We at IG Metall believe that the fact that the EU Commission is now creating… Continue reading EU Commission falls short