SMMT News

Bentley has announced a number of upskilling initiatives to strengthen the skills of current employees and provide a pool of fresh manufacturing talent. The initiatives will see increased investment in training facilities and the largest intake of apprentices that Bentley has seen in a decade.

Toyota’s engine manufacturing facility in Deeside, North Wales has switched on 13,000 solar panels, generating enough renewable energy to power the production of 22,500 engines.

The solar array, which shares a similar footprint to eight football pitches, can produce up to 3,475,000kWh electricity a year, providing 10% of the energy required at the site.

Engine manufacturing output fell 10.2% compared to July 2013 to 205,907 units.
Year-to-date production remains stable at 1,513,350 – a drop of 2.3%.
Long-term outlook is bright for UK engine production as the EU market recovery continues, and with new facilities set to begin assembly over the coming months.

CV manufacturing output continued its decline in July, with volumes down 25% to 6,338 units.
July fall reflects trend in previous months, with year-to-date output down 23.3%.
Impact of last year’s structural changes continued, but stabilisation expected in coming months.

July marks five million cars exported from UK since the beginning of 2010 – the best performance of any decade.
132,570 cars manufactured in July – a rise of 2.8%, as 2014’s steady growth continues.
The average car exported today is worth over £20,600, compared to just £10,200 in 2004.

Despite the UK being seen as a cabriolet-loving nation, the number of convertible car registrations has decreased to 27,222 in 2013 to 64,519 in 2004. One contributing factor is a recent change in consumer habits.

Jaguar Land Rover has announced that it will invest £20 million in its new Special Vehicle Operations facility in Ryton, near Coventry, creating 100 new automotive jobs.

SMMT’s weekly round-up, including all the latest news from UK automotive and a message from SMMT’s Chief Executive. SMMT Update 331 online.

Deadline approaches for submissions to the 2014 Award for Automotive Innovation

News from Volkswagen: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has signed a deal with Poole-based super yacht manufacturer, Sunseeker International, to supply eight new vans. The contract includes a mixture of Volkswagen Transporter and Crafter models. The new vehicles will be used to…