Following the announcement of a loan guarantee scheme for small and medium-sized businesses, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has indicated specific support for the automotive industry may follow.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today announced plans for guaranteed loans to small businesses to help them survive the economic downturn. The SME assistance facilities comprise new products provided by commercial banks and supplement government help announced in the pre-budget report.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivered a speech yesterday at the Science Museum in London, explaining his plans to prepare Britain for growth in sectors including environmental technology and advanced manufacturing.

In light of the economic downturn, SMMT is organising a seminar outlining the variety of financial support schemes aimed at helping manufacturers in the motor industry. The options include European, national, and regional programmes. In preparation for the seminar, over the next three weeks SMMT will highlight an item from each group.

Today the SMMT publishes December 2008 UK registration data for buses and coaches.

SMMT publishes UK van and truck registration data for December 2008

SMMT has published new car registration data for December and year end 2008

In light of the economic downturn, SMMT is organising a seminar outlining the variety of financial support schemes aimed at helping manufacturers in the motor industry.