Tag: SMMT
SMMT: 1 in 3 auto sector firms shedding jobs ahead of no-deal Brexit
With fewer than 20 days to go before the UK is due to leave the EU, the British automotive industry is urging an end to talk of ‘no deal’ and for all sides to focus energies on an orderly withdrawal to safeguard jobs and the sector’s long-term survival. The call comes as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) publishes the results of a new survey revealing the escalating fears of an industry dependent on free and frictionless trade with the EU.
Automotive industry associations: Brexit not just a British problem
With just over one month to go before the UK is due to leave the EU, the European automotive industry today made a united call for the UK and the EU to avoid a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario. The lead organisations representing vehicle and parts manufacturers across the EU, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), have joined forces with 21 national associations, including the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), to stress the impact a ‘no deal’ Brexit would have on what they call “one of Europe’s most valuable economic assets.”
UK light commercial vehicle market soars, up by 41.0 per cent in August
The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market rose in August, up 41.0 per cent, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The market has grown in every month of 2019, with 23,120 new vehicles registered in August for use on UK roads, as operators respond to regulatory changes and take advantage of some compelling deals on the latest models available in what is usually one of the year’s smallest months.
Slight fall in August new car sales, but strong showing for electric cars
SMMT figures show that the UK new car market remained steady in August, with just 1,521 fewer cars registered than in the same month last year. Registrations fell by -1.6 per cent in what is typically one of the smallest months of the year, as falling demand for diesel and plug-in hybrid vehicles continued to impact the overall market.
Declining exports push UK car production down
British car manufacturing output declined 10.6 per cent in July, with 108,239 units produced. This was the 14th successive month of decline. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), production was affected in July as ongoing weakness in major EU and Asian markets coupled with some key model changes affected performance.
British CV production almost a third lower in July
Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a fourth successive month of negative growth in Britain’s commercial vehicle (CV) industry, with British CV production declining 31.2 per cent in July. Production for both home and overseas markets fell, by 16.8 per cent and 39.8 per cent respectively, as model changeovers continued to affect factory output.
HGV market up almost 50% in Q2 2019
Good news from the UK heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market: New registrations were 46.3 per cent higher year-on-year in the second quarter of 2019, with 15,605 units registered. These figures, released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) yesterday, include a number of large orders ahead of the mandatory fitment of Smart Tachographs; these further boosted registrations following a strong first quarter of the year.
UK LCV sales up 11 per cent in July
SMMT figures show that the UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market rose in July, up 11.0 per cent. The market has grown in every month of 2019, with 25,862 new models registered in July for use on UK roads as operators were enticed by the range of new models and attractive offers on the market.
New car market declines in July but pure EV registrations almost triple
The UK new car market declined again in July, with 157,198 vehicles leaving showrooms, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Registrations fell by -4.1 per cent, the fifth consecutive month of decline, as political and economic uncertainty and confusion over future government policy on different fuel types continued to knock consumer and business confidence.
UK automotive production drops again as investment dries up
Another blow on the automotive industry’s chin as we inch closer towards a no-deal Brexit. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released its latest UK manufacturing figures, and they make a depressing read. British car manufacturing output fell by more than a fifth in the first half of 2019, while commercial vehicle production was down more than 16 per cent and engine production almost 11 per cent. KPMG considers these numbers “worrying.”
Tyre and brake wear: AQEG releases “most globally comprehensive analysis”
Particulate and plastic pollution from brakes, tyres and road wear are in the spotlight again. The Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) released a new report today that highlights the impact of this pollution, and the UK Government reports that Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey and Transport Minister Michael Ellis are “leading a push” to tackle its impact. The aim is for the introduction of an international standard that covers tyre and brake wear.
LCV registrations still buoyant in June
In contrast to the new car market, SMMT figures reveal that June marked the sixth consecutive month of growth for the UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market, as registrations rose 13.5 per cent. The performance meant a record first six months of the year, as buyers continued to be attracted to the variety of enticing offers and ranges available.
June UK car sales – decline continues as low emission sales falter
UK new car registrations declined for a fourth consecutive month in June, with year-on-year demand falling by -4.9 per cent to 223,421 units, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 1,269,245 new cars joined British roads in the first half of the year, down -3.4 per cent as ongoing confusion over low emission zones and diesel, the removal of key ultra low emission vehicle incentives and an overall decline in buyer confidence affected the market.
Brexit ‘deal must be next PM’s first job’: SMMT
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has issued a plea to the UK’s next prime minister to secure a favourable Brexit deal as his number one priority on taking office. The call came as the trade body published a new report highlighting the importance of automotive trade to the UK economy and the high stakes of a ‘no deal’ Brexit. SMMT’s 2019 UK Automotive Trade Report calculates that delays to production caused by friction at the border could add up to £50,000 a minute for the sector.
UK economy in reverse after drop in automotive manufacturing
The UK economy contracted 0.4 per cent compared with the month before, following a sharp decline in automotive manufacturing, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). As a result of the contraction, growth for the three months to April slowed to 0.3 per cent.