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...]
New tech puts brakes on longer deals
British drivers are pulling back from long leases as technology improves. A third of British motorists (32%) said they are far less likely to replace their existing car by committing to a three-year lease than they were 12 months ago. Mobility provider SOGO researched attitudes towards personal financial commitments and car ownership. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said around … [Read more...]
EVs overtake a million UK registrations
The SMMT's latest registration figures for September make interesting reading for the growing number of electric cars with the new registration plate change month sales figures and year to date figures as well. Electric vehicle uptake has continued to rise, albeit at a slower rate of growth than seen earlier in the year, with the second highest monthly volume of battery pure electric only … [Read more...]
Car production stutters on shortages
UK car production declined -19.2% in the first six months of the year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, with 95,792 fewer vehicles built compared with the same period in 2021. Just 403,131 units were built, representing the weakest first half since the pandemic-ravaged 2020 and worse than 2009 when the global financial crisis decimated demand. The main cause remains … [Read more...]
Car making in UK still sluggish
UK car production fell -41.5% in September, the third consecutive month of decline, with 67,169 cars manufactured – the worst performing September since 1982 - according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Output continues to be hampered by the production stoppages caused by the ongoing global shortage of semiconductors as well as the loss of production capacity arising from the … [Read more...]
Van production up, but engine manufacturing slumps in UK
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show a boost to UK commercial vehicle production in May 2015 but engine production has slumped. Over 6,800 vans, trucks and buses were made in Britain last month – a 32.8% rise compared with last year. Data for the first five months of 2015 further demonstrate a CV manufacturing resurgence, with production volumes up by almost a … [Read more...]
MotorGB is booming success
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders confirm the growing strength and vitality of the UK automotive industry and its ascendancy as a major global player. SMMT’s 16th annual Sustainability Report confirms the sector is breaking new records, with turnover hitting an all time high of £69.5 billion in 2014. Manufacturing output, vehicle sales, jobs and export values also … [Read more...]
British buyers boost business
Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reveal a steady growth in UK car manufacturing in May. Statistics show 119,338 cars built – a rise of 2.3% and a strong domestic market again played a significant part with a 13.3% increase outweighing a small dip in production for export, and the Sunderland-made Nissan Qashqai is Britain's top home-made model. The industry … [Read more...]
CVs are coming back from the brink
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders saw an increase in demand for UK-built commercial vehicles last month. Britain produced 9,648 vans and trucks in March, representing an uplift of 43.3% over last year. In the first quarter of the year, 23,435 commercial vehicles were produced, marking 19.1% growth following reduced output in 2014. This growth can be attributed to a particularly … [Read more...]
Car makers step up defence of diesel engines
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has started a nationwide consumer campaign to raise awareness about the latest low-emission car technology and challenge the increasing demonisation of diesel. A Diesel Facts myth-busting guide will be available at dieselfacts.co.uk and in leaflet form via car makers and dealers. It comes as new consumer research reveals widespread confusion about … [Read more...]