SMMT News

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

1. Rise in EU car registrations – ACEA
2. European Council Summit
3. Commission announces Work Programme 2015
4. EU air quality proposals to be modified
5. Council reaches compromise on lorries and buses
6. EU support for electrical vehicle charging points
7. Week ahead

1. Budget 2015 date confirmed
2. November 2014 UK automotive manufacturing figures published
3. SMMT urges London rethink on ultra low emission car zones
4. £6bn package for UK science and innovation
5. SME sized engineering firms funded to boost skills
6. Positive outlook for UK manufacturers
7. Week ahead

202,132 engines built in November – a drop of 12.6% – as impact of retooling for new models continued.
Year-to-date output subdued with a 7.0% fall to 2,235,331 units.
Recent investments into UK engine manufacturing mean long-term expectations are positive for industry.

UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing fell just 0.7% in November.
Resurgent home market demand grew for second month, but exports remained subdued.
Year-to-date fall of 21.6% affected by 2013 restructuring; more positive 2015 expected.

UK car manufacturing output fell by 277 units in November, with 137,347 cars produced.
Year-to-date output stable at 1,419,427 units, a drop of 0.3%.
Exports remain subdued in contrast to continued growth for the home market.

Please download December’s member services bulletin here.

Welcoming plans for an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London by 2020, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) today said London should set the benchmark for the world’s great cities by implementing a scheme which demands the very best in vehicle technology. In an open letter to the Mayor of London, SMMT has called for a rethink of the current proposals set out by Transport for London (TfL) to enforce the latest emission standards for both petrol and diesel vehicles. This reflects the step change in clean diesel technology, and helps to ensure similar schemes across the UK and Europe are harmonised.

An open letter to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson urging a rethink on Transport for London proposals for an Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Dear Mayor,

London is Europe’s leading mega city. It has the opportunity to create an effective policy framework to address urban air quality whilst driving continued improvements in carbon emissions, mobility and industrial growth. The introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone in London from 2020, if implemented correctly, could set a precedent for other cities, not just in the UK but around the world – many of which face similar air quality challenges. This is why London has to get it right.

1. EU budget 2015 gets Council approval
2. €550 million EU funding available for transport and energy research
3. Agreement reached on Weights and Dimensions Directive
4. EU Commissioners sworn in
5. Coreper endorses agreement with parliament on eCall
6. France and Germany to develop key points for future CO2 regime
7. ACEA President re-elected
8. Week ahead