CEO Update

Following March’s disappointing ‘new numberplate’ registration figures, April felt all too familiar with the same pandemic-related headwinds continuing to restrict a recovery in the new passenger car and light commercial vehicle markets. Some 119,167 new cars and 21,597 vans joined…

The incredible diversity and ingenuity of the automotive sector was out in full force on Tuesday at SMMT’s 42nd annual Test Day. This is an event that, by definition, cannot work virtually and, with the sun shining on 270 journalists…

After two years of travel restrictions, SMMT was finally able to resume cross Atlantic discussions this week with a visit to Washington D.C. to strengthen collaboration with our sister associations and  members with business in  the U.S as well as…

While the automotive industry has proved resilient over the past two years, the long-term effects of the pandemic continue to stifle any recovery for the sector. Despite demand for new vehicles remaining high, the global shortage of semiconductors contributed to…

Some two years later than planned, SMMT this week officially launched its EU office, hosting an automotive reception in Brussels – among the first such events in the city since Covid restrictions recently eased. With the pandemic hopefully moving into…

A massively busy week but, after what has been a difficult few years, it was fantastic to return to a fully in-person event with SMMT’s sellout Electrified 2022. With over 400 people from a diverse range of sectors across the…

SMMT Electrified is back next Wednesday in our first fully in-person conference since the pandemic began some two years ago – a remarkable thought. Taking place at the QE2 Conference Centre in Westminster, the event comes at a critical juncture,…

International Women’s Day this week gave cause to celebrate the achievements of women across the world, but also to focus on what more needs to be done to “break the bias”. SMMT hosted a networking reception where guests reflected on…

The invasion of Ukraine is devastating an independent and democratic country and has shocked the entire global community. We condemn the Russian state’s aggression and support the actions of the international community to bring an end to the conflict through…

In another torrid start to the year for automotive production in the UK, we witnessed the weakest performing January since the global financial crisis in 2009. Production of cars fell by -20.1% and engine output by -15.9%, with only commercial…