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...]
Fuel for thought as petrol-car sales rise
New figures showing a rise in the sale of petrol vehicles highlight the urgent need to address motoring emissions, according to a leading fuel tech company. Information from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders last week showed sales of petrol vehicles rose 14.6% year-on-year, accounting for 44.7% of all new cars sold in January. By comparison, while sales of battery models … [Read more...]
UK Automotive crashes to 66 year low
UK car production last year fell to its lowest level since 1956, according to annual statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It said a total of 775,014 cars were built in 2022 – a 9.8 per cent slump on the 859,575 made during the previous year, when the recession and pandemic were still gripping businesses. The industry blamed the global shortage of semiconductors and … [Read more...]
Little vans in short supply
Throughout 2022 franchised dealers have reported strong demand for light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, but the continued restrictions to component supply have frustrated manufacturers in their ability to produce sufficient new vehicles to match orders, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association. In 2022, total LCV registrations fell by … [Read more...]
Tradelines 25 January: Make or break year for EVs
It could be a make or break year for smaller ev makers, reports Reuters UK. Tesla's 20% price cut worldwide last week has led to surge in demand from its German factory supplying Europe but at the same time put pressure on main rivals to reduce prices while some ev startups may be unable to match them and risk losing investments and sales, or worst still, seeing them go out of business. The … [Read more...]
EVs overtake diesels in 2022 UK market
New car registrations continued to improve in December and the market in Britain reached 1.61M, but still the lowest in three decades. The UK new car market recorded its fifth consecutive month of growth in December, with an 18.3% increase to reach 128,462 new registrations, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Hidden in the figures was the fact … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 November
Government plans that could see novice drivers being allowed to automatically drive lorries have been condemned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart. A recent government consultation suggested that drivers who possess a category B car licence should be instantly entitled to a category C1 licence, which allows motorists to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes … [Read more...]
New car sales lifting at last
There are signs that the components supply problems may be easing for car makers and getting more models to dealerships after a boost in October registrations. Registrations among Welsh dealers rose 24.25% to hit 4,903. "The increase in new vehicle sales in October demonstrates the resilience of franchised dealers and their ability to find the right deal for their customers and the … [Read more...]
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