Lorry companies are illegally tampering with emissions systems to improve fuel economy and cut costs, says the SMMT. The issue has been highlighted by SMMT commercial vehicle manager Nigel Base who said in a note, “Over the years, commercial vehicle manufacturers have invested heavily in developing and producing the latest low emission vehicles. “Unfortunately, some drivers and operators, … [Read more...]
Car makers want reverse from Brexit cliff-edge
The UK automotive industry has called on government to seek an interim arrangement with the EU that would maintain membership of the single market and customs union until a final agreement on a new relationship with the EU is negotiated and implemented. The sector accepts that the UK will leave the EU and fully supports a bespoke and comprehensive agreement on a new relationship with the … [Read more...]
Newslines 30 May
Subaru and the Caravan and Motorhome Club have teamed up to offer the Club’s members a Caravanning Accessory Pack free of charge when they purchase a Subaru Forester or Outback. The pack worth consists £1,400 worth of Subaru accessories; a tow bar, 13 pin electrics kit, full size spare wheel and tyre. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched its comprehensive annual … [Read more...]
New car sales collapse in Wales
New car registrations in Wales plunged over 30% last month after a boom in March due to new taxes and charges beginning in April, writes Robin Roberts. It was the steepest fall in the UK, with Northern Ireland just a little behind while England and Scotland did not suffer anywhere like the same downturn. The fall was expected but the percentage was higher than many … [Read more...]
Car exports hit 17 year high on weaker pound
Exports continued to drive British car manufacturing in March, as demand rose 10.6% in the month to a 17 years high, according to the SMMT. Altogether, 170,691 cars were built in the UK in March, up 7.3%, with overseas buyers ordering more than 76% of output. Overseas demand also helped push overall production to a 17-year high in Q1, to 471,695 units – an increase of 7.6%. This helped … [Read more...]
Newslines 24 March
Double-digit growth in demand for British-built cars last month helped deliver the biggest February for UK car production in 17 years, said the SMMT. UK production lines turned out one car every 16 seconds in the month, with total output of 153,041 up 8.0%, as exports grew 13.4% to 118,898 units. The performance helped to drive overall year-to-date production past 300,000 for the first time … [Read more...]
Massive jump in AVF UK sales as diesels dip
Hybrids and electric cars saw a massive boost in registrations last month at the expense of diesel. Diesel sales dipped nearly 10%, petrol went up almost 6% but the real surprise was a 49% jump in alternatively powered models, the biggest since they entered the market several years ago, said the SMMT. A combination of concerns over emissions and impending hefty increases for running a diesel … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 March
After two months of rises at the pumps, the price of petrol and diesel stabilised in February, according to RAC Fuel Watch data. In Wales, diesel dipped by 12p a litre while unleaded rose 9ppl and nationally unleaded finished the month at 120.23p a litre, a very slight increase on the figure of 120.05p seen on 1 February, and diesel at 122.25p, having started at 122.31p, meaning the country is … [Read more...]
Search begins to find top women in UK automotive
The UK automotive industry is on the search for the sector’s future leaders as the Great British Women in the Car Industry awards returns for a second year. As part of ongoing efforts to encourage more young people to join one of the UK’s most exciting and vital sectors, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has once again partnered with motoring brand Autocar to identify its … [Read more...]
Britain’s used car market makes record sales
Britain’s used car market reached record levels in 2016 with 8.2 million vehicles finding new owners – an rise of 7.3% – according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. In Wales, 436,873 cars changed hands last year, half that of the North West and a quarter of those in the South East. Meanwhile, 1.8 million used cars changed hands in the fourth quarter, … [Read more...]