SMMT News

In an exhibition at its Westminster headquarters, SMMT is marking the start of the 2014 CV Show, which opens its doors this Tuesday, 29 April at the NEC in Birmingham.

1. UK car and engine production up in March 2014
2. First investment of Advanced Propulsion Centre announced
3. TfL funds new project to improve blind spot safety
4. LowCVP launches call for evidence on investment in UK automotive sector
5. Week ahead

1. Parliament adopts report on maximum weights and dimensions of road vehicles
2. Parliament endorses agreement on eCall
3. Parliament adopts agreement on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure
4. Parliament refers Report on the reregistration of motor vehicles back to Committee
5. Global passenger vehicle demand up 6.1% in the first quarter over the previous year
6. Week ahead

Engine manufacturing output grows 4.5% in March to 229,959 units, finishing Q1 down 1.3% at 651,255. Production for export rises 9.5% in the month, offsetting 3.6% home market decline.

Commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing showing signs of optimism, despite 17.7% monthly fall. Industry continues to feel effects of 2013 restructuring, but European demand now on the up.

UK car manufacturing rose 12% in March to 142,158 units, bringing 2014-to-date growth to 2.9%. Good news for UK’s volume manufacturers as European demand for cars strengthens.

Based on POLK data, which are preliminary in some cases, passenger vehicle registrations in March were up 7.6%. With strong growth in the first two months of the year, global new registrations are now up 6.1%, 1.2 million units, for…

Car owners in the UK are happier with their cars than ever before, the 2014 Auto Express Driver Power survey has revealed. Respondents gave their cars an average satisfaction rating of 88.4% – the highest satisfaction rating in the history of the survey, marking a seven percentage point increase from the first results in 2002.

UK government, alongside automotive manufacturers Ford, Cummins, GKN and JCB will invest £133 million in powertrain development projects to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

Jaguar Land Rover has accorded a prestigious 2014 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, for its outstanding overseas sales growth over the last three years.