SMMT News

A new initiative aimed at bringing more supply chain manufacturing back to the UK has been launched by government.

Unipart Group has announced three major manufacturing developments in the Midlands including two new manufacturing facilities and a joint venture with Coventry University to create an engineering and manufacturing institute. A new facility at the Unipart Eberspächer site will manufacture…

1. 2013 sees strong growth in UK car and engine manufacturing
2. Government introduces new Consumer Rights Bill
3. CBI report shows new manufacturing orders growing at fastest rate since 2011
4. Government launches Reshore UK
5. IMF raises UK economic growth forecast
6. Week ahead

1. Commission adopts European Industrial Strategy communication
2. Commission presents new framework on climate and energy for 2030
3. Zero Emission Urban Bus System project launched
4. EU and China begin investment talks
5. Week ahead

As the UK car industry posts its highest manufacturing figures since 2007, SMMT is showcasing the sector’s diversity in an exhibition of three very different cars at its Westminster headquarters.

UK engine production rose 2.3% to 2,553,316 units in 2013 – the best total since 2008. Growth supported by 9.0% increase in output for domestic market, while exports fell 1.7%. Output rose 3.6% in Q4, despite December dip.

Production of commercial vehicles fell 21.7% in 2013, to 87,671 units. Weak demand in Europe produced difficult environment for CV manufacturers. Output predicted to stay subdued into 2014.   “Production of commercial vehicles struggled in 2013, due to restructuring of…

Car production rose 3.1% in 2013 to surpass 1.5 million units – the highest volume since 2007. Industry analysts predict output to reach record levels of around two million units by 2017. The UK could become the third largest car manufacturer in Europe.

Today in Sunderland (Wednesday 22 January), Nissan – the UK’s largest car manufacturer – began production of its next generation Qashqai, the UK’s most produced model.

SMMT’s weekly round-up, including all the latest news from UK automotive and a message from SMMT’s Chief Executive. CLICK HERE: SMMT Update 301 online.