CEO Update

A mixed performance this week, as the 2019 figures for the heavy goods vehicle and bus and coach markets were released. HGV registrations rose 12.6% in the year, while bus and coach performance dropped -18.8%, falling for a third consecutive…

Used car sales figures for 2019 were released this week and, although on the face of it activity was flat in the year with a -0.1% decrease in cars changing hands, the final two quarters delivered growth following a significant…

This week’s new car registration figures were a good opportunity to get a feel for how the market is settling into the New Year, and whether the much talked about post-election boost would materialise. Clearly a -7.3% decline is of…

Confirmation this week of the turbulence we all felt in 2019, with UK  car production down -14.2% to its lowest level since 2010, and commercial vehicle output down -7.8%. There were multiple factors at play, including weakened consumer and business…

After all of the dramatic previous attempts to pass the withdrawal agreement bill through the House of Commons, the landmark legislation quietly gained royal assent this week and we will leave the European Union next Friday 31 January. Of course,…

As we move forward to an EU departure date of 31 January, the importance of SMMT’s role in raising the profile of UK Automotive around the world can’t be underestimated, sharing the message that we’re open for business and already…

A fast start to the New Year with SMMT trips to CES in Las Vegas and EV100 in Beijing with UK companies, flying the flag for UK Automotive which remains ‘open for business’ as we seek to confront technological challenges…

It has been a turbulent year for vehicle manufacturing in the UK, with car production dropping again in November thanks to soft consumer and business confidence, weak demand in overseas markets and model production changes. Output was down -16.5% last…

After a roller coaster election campaign, the results have been counted and we have a new government. We congratulate the Conservatives on their election success and look forward to working with the new government at this critical time for the…

Another month of decline in car registrations encapsulates the difficulties facing the automotive industry, with buyers holding back for various reasons. Weak consumer confidence, wider economic uncertainty and confusion over policy around clean air zones are all conspiring to depress…