The momentum in new vehicle sales has continued with strong growth across electric vehicles, hybrids and petrol vehicles and is expected to continue through the summer months, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. In May, a total of 145,204 new cars were registered, an increase of 16.7% from the same period last year, according to the Society of Motor … [Read more...]
ZEV Mandate is unrealistic, say dealers
The UK Government must slow down its drive towards a totally electric car and van deadline, said a car dealers' pressure group. Politicians and green lobbyists are expecting 'too much too soon' and the demand among van owners is particularly weak as they struggle with a scattered charging network, rising costs and efficiencies, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised … [Read more...]
Car makers push fleet & business sales
The UK new car market recorded its ninth successive month of growth in April, with an 11.6% increase to reach 132,990 registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The performance marks the best April since 2021’s 141,583 units but remains -17.4% down on 2019 volumes. Large fleet registrations grew by a third (33.1%) to 68,537 units as the … [Read more...]
Newslines 2 May
Aston Martin Works is announcing the availability for the first time in decades of new major components, including gearboxes and engine blocks, for some of the brand’s most iconic sports cars. Working with trusted suppliers the team at the heritage home of the world-renowned British car maker has developed entirely new engine blocks, cylinder heads, gearboxes and other major components – all … [Read more...]
Britons get back into their cars
More Britons are getting back into the driving seat following the pandemic, according to new annual Motorparc data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. However, the provision of public ev charge points has slowed and has not kept up with increasing registrations of PHEVs and BEVs. The Moorparc data shows the number of cars in use on UK roads in 2022 rising by 124,393 units to a … [Read more...]
New car sales slowly rising
The first quarter of 2023 has been positive for UK new vehicle sales, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. “It is extremely encouraging to see sales figures starting to emulate pre-pandemic trends, particularly for the plate change month of march and consecutive months of optimism and growth,” she said, commenting on the latest SMMT’s new passenger … [Read more...]
Government likely to miss its zero carbon goal
The Government threatens to miss its own zero carbon targets for transport, say car makers. It set out obejectives it wants to attain in a new consultation document last week but critics say it is late, lacks choice, does not address costs and is confusing for vehicle makers. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “Automotive is on track to deliver zero emission motoring, so we welcome this … [Read more...]
Britain risks running out of EV innovation – car makers
Britain’s ability to compete as an electric vehicle production leader is at risk unless government responds urgently to increasingly fierce international competition, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders warns in a new blueprint. The call comes as other countries significantly power up political and economic backing for their own automotive sectors, positioning themselves at the front … [Read more...]
New car sales shrug off winter chill
Improving supply components and completed cars has seen another rise in registrations in February, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Sales in Wales rose the most in Britain with a 29.6% increase to 2,370 new cars. SMMT datum show 74,441 cars were registered last month – a 26.2 per cent rise on February 2022’s lower numbers but it was was down by just 6.5 per cent on … [Read more...]
UK car production steadies as EVs accelerate
UK car production was stable in the first month of 2023, with output down just -0.3% to 68,575 units, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The loss, equivalent to just 215 fewer cars, was driven chiefly by structural changes, reflecting a move from car to van making at one major plant, but with supply chain shortages still afflicting some … [Read more...]