SMMT News

New research commissioned by SMMT has found the development of connected and autonomous vehicles will help generate 320,000 jobs in the UK, delivering huge benefits to society and the economy. In the first ever comprehensive analysis of the UK opportunities provided by this new technology, KPMG has found that these new vehicles will deliver a £51 billion boost to the UK economy and reduce serious road traffic accidents by more than 25,000 a year by 2030.

In Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: The UK Economic Opportunity, KPMG for the first time analyses how the journey to full connectivity will transform Britain.

SMMT’s weekly round-up, including all the latest news from UK automotive and a message from SMMT’s Chief Executive.

1. Budget 2015 announced
2. HM Treasury launch review of business rates
3. New apprenticeship funding mechanism announced
4. SMMT – production figures
5. SMMT – British cars become even more British
6. Week ahead

1. February EU passenger car registrations grow 7%
2. ‘Intelligent’ technologies open new avenues for transport
3. Annual meeting of EU-Japan Industrial Policy Dialogue
4. Environment Council discusses Energy Union
5. Juncker puts pressure of MEPs over investment plan
6. Week ahead

UK engine manufacturers produce 207,773 units in February, 414,459 so far this year.
Exports stable in February, while home market still strong year-to-date.
Sector outlook is positive as major investments set to come to fruition in coming year.

UK commercial vehicle manufacturing up 33.7% in February to 8,344 units.
Production increases 6.5% in first two months of 2015, with 13,787 CVs manufactured.
Demand from domestic market drives sector performance, buoyed by strong exports.

More than 250,000 UK cars built in first two months of 2015, nearly 130,000 in February.
Number of cars produced for the domestic market up 21.1% to 33,813 units.
Market positive with UK manufacturers poised to see return on billions of pounds worth of investment.

UK automotive industry trade body The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is set to bring together automotive industry experts and government ministers for the first time to debate the future of the connected car.

British cars are being made with more British-sourced parts as the UK automotive industry’s renaissance continues apace, new research reveals. Figures from a new Automotive Council report show that domestic component makers sold 19% more products to UK vehicle producers last year than in 2013.