SMMT News

Bus and coach market shows decline of 271 units in August, but year-to-date remains stable with 0.3% drop. Purpose-built sector fell by 57.6%, with a year-to-date decrease of 6.3%. Registrations for past 12 months are strong, particularly for converted buses, with a 8.1% increase overall.

SMMT has published Electric Vehicle (EV) registration figures for August and the year-to-date.

Commercial vehicle market grows 11.9%, increasing registrations to 214,959 for the year-to-date, up 13%. Continued growth seen in van market; up 22.3% in August and 19.1% to 192,948 units for the year-to-date. Truck registrations down 22% for the year-to-date, with a fall of 22.7% in August continuing the trend. Rolling year totals remain strong, up 12.9%, fuelled by the rush in late 2013 for pre-Euro-6 vehicles.

72,163 new cars registered in August, a 9.4% rise

Ford will recruit a further 250 employees to its Dagenham engine plant as part of a £380 million project, which is joint-funded by government’s Regional Growth Fund.

It has been announced that Dr Andy Palmer CMG will become Aston Martin’s new Chief Executive Officer.

British-born Palmer will join the Gaydon-based luxury and sports car manufacturer from his current position as Chief Planning Officer at Nissan Motor Corporation.

SMMT International Bulletin September 2014 edition

SMMT’s weekly round-up, including all the latest news from UK automotive and a message from SMMT’s Chief Executive.

1. Salmond and Darling debate Scottish independence
2. Consultation launched on zero hours exclusivity clauses
3. TfL to trial hybrid bus charging technology
4. Conservative MP Douglas Carswell defects to UKIP
5. Final chance to join freight capacity trial
6. Rising number of students choosing maths and science
7. Week ahead

The Energy Saving Trust and Transport for London (TfL) have announced a new initiative to help businesses in Greater London increase their use of ultra-low emission vans and light trucks.