CEO Update

With 212,181 new plug-in cars registered between January and September this year, demand for these new technology vehicles has never been higher. One in six new cars sold in 2021 is capable of being plugged in and there are now…

The strength and character of the UK’s automotive industry continues to be tested by the pandemic with the global shortage of semiconductors that are so crucial to the production of cars, commercial vehicles and engines, wreaking havoc with production and…

UK Automotive is export-led and free and fair global trade has been the bedrock on which the sector has built its recent success. It is welcome, therefore, to see the government this week set out its new trade strategy to…

The long anticipated COP26 has finally been taking place in Glasgow this past fortnight, and through the many presentations, speeches, media events and even protests, there has been a palpable sense of urgency; that something must be done – and…

There can be no hiding the fact that the new car registration figures in October – which fell for the fourth consecutive month – were a major blow to the sector, albeit one that was expected. The performance reflects the…

The effects of the pandemic, including supply chain disruption, skills shortages and punitive energy costs, continue to challenge businesses across the entire sector. This week, the UK automotive sector looked to the Government and its Autumn Budget for some much-needed…

This week saw the government announce its eagerly anticipated net zero strategy ahead of COP 26, including news of a zero-emission vehicle mandate. As we await the finer details, it is fair to say that a well-designed, flexible regulatory framework…

As the world re-emerges from the pandemic, Britain’s export-led automotive industry is the country’s competitive advantage for driving growth, creating jobs and tackling climate change. In 2020, vehicle export revenues reached £27  billion despite disrupted trade flows and shuttered markets…

September was a desperately disappointing month for the sector with registrations of new cars and vans decreasing by -34.4% and -39.5% respectively. Despite strong demand for new vehicles over recent months, these markets have been stalled by the reduced global…

The first SMMT Global Trade Conference is fast approaching on 12 October. This online event will explore how a robust rebound of global automotive trade will be key to getting the UK sector, and indeed wider economy, on the road…