SMMT News

Engine manufacturing output returns to growth, up 6.7% in December.
Output falls 6.2% over the year, following retooling at a number of facilities.
Outlook bright thanks to major investments into UK engine manufacturing.

UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing output up 12.6% in December, the first month of growth since July 2013.
Output fell 19.7% in 2014, but month of growth heralds bright future.
Growing demand at home helped to drive December growth, despite deflated export markets.

1,528,148 cars manufactured in the UK in 2014 – a 1.2% increase on the previous year and the best year since 2007.
Strongest December in a decade saw 108,721 cars produced, up 27.1% on December 2013.
Growth comes despite challenges in some export markets.
Output for the UK market matched the growth in overall UK registrations, rising 8.0%.

The latest Renault Twingo was officially launched last year to a huge media buzz. Its rear-engined platform, evocative styling and iconic name have already captured the imagination of many a car enthusiast. However, the Twingo’s critical acclaim should come as no surprise; Renault has over eight decades of experience in making small, economical cars. Here’s what makes its small cars great.

As SMMT is recruiting for its first ever apprentice to join the Member Services Team, we spoke to SMMT President, Gareth Jones, about how his apprenticeship helped get his career started, and his advice for people considering the apprentice route.

SMMT holds reception with senior politicians

Please download the latest member services bulletin here.

The R&D Newsletter is a quarterly publication highlighting automotive R&D, technology and innovation activities from across the UK.

SMMT, alongside skills organisation SEMTA and a number of UK automotive manufacturers, has joined forces with government to launch a new skills initiative.

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