SMMT News

SMMT calls for a competitive business environment as part of a new automotive sector strategy in Budget 2013

18 March 2013 #SMMT News

With the Chancellor due to deliver the 2013 Budget later this week, SMMT has outlined the hopes of the UK automotive sector.

In the core of its submission to HM Treasury, SMMT and its 550 members call on government to ensure that key announcements in the Budget are fully aligned with industrial strategy priorities and reflect the automotive sector’s drive for growth.

SMMT’s Interim Chief Executive, Mike Baunton said, “The UK automotive industry works very closely with government which, in recent years, has led to significant inward investment. However, we cannot be complacent. To ensure we remain one of the leading destinations for direct investment, and to build upon the commitments already made, it is imperative that the overall UK business environment is competitive and provides a distinct rationale and incentive for companies to invest.

“SMMT calls on the Chancellor to spearhead a proactive government, support innovation, grow the low and ultra-low carbon vehicle market in the UK, and support opportunities in the supply chain; particularly in access to finance. We urge him to continue to develop the UK’s flexible workforce, and importantly, we need him and his colleagues in government to provide a strong voice in Europe.”

Specific actions SMMT calls for:

  • Company Car Tax (CCT): SMMT calls for Mr Osborne to announce a revised set of CCT rates from 2015 with greater differentiation below 95g/km and significant levels of incentive for ultra-low carbon vehicles.  SMMT has again called on government to review its Budget 2012 decision to change the writing-down capital allowance threshold for new vehicles.
  • Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC): Ensure that government’s energy efficiency schemes are not detrimental to the UK’s business environment and reverse the decision to remove the Climate Change Agreement (CCA) exemption rule from the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme.
  • Support the Automotive Advanced Propulsion Centre: Ensure science and innovation funding reflects key UK industrial strengths, has a scale that is internationally competitive and is delivered through tried and tested routes such as the Technology Strategy Board or centres of excellence. SMMT calls on government to indicate in Budget 2013 that it supports the creation of a joint government-industry funded Automotive Advanced Propulsion Centre of Excellence.
  • Support a stronger supply chain: Commit to the Regional Growth Fund and Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Fund and put them on a permanent footing – to provide confidence and support for supply chain companies.
  • Support investment: Build upon the welcome two-year increase in the Annual Investment Allowance by making the support permanent, moving it from a short-term boost to a long-term mechanism that influences investment decisions and provides certainty and business confidence.

The Chancellor makes his statement to the House of Commons at 1230 on Wednesday 20 March. For more see: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk

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