SMMT News

Bus and coach registrations rose 20.3% in July, taking 2014-to-date volumes up 5.4% to 7,943 units. July growth driven by 69.8% rise for purpose-built buses, while coaches dipped 27.4% in the month. Converted bus registrations were stable in the month, but volumes still 12% up in 2014-to-date.

Total commercial vehicle registrations increase by 25.8% in July, up 13.1% for the year-to-date and 18.4% over the rolling year. Van market maintains a period of strong growth, up 34.5% in July and 18.9% over the year-to-date to more than 180,000 units. Truck registrations fell by 16.3% in July, down 21.9% over the year-to-date following a surge towards the end of 2013 due to the introduction of Euro-6. The rolling year total remains up 16.4%, following increased activity last year.

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

172,907 new cars registered in July, a rise of 6.6% and the 29th consecutive month of growth. Economic confidence and attractive finance have driven the market up 10.1% year-to-date to 1,460,172 units. Faster-than-expected first half-year growth prompts upward revision of 2014 market forecast to 2.45 million registrations, up 8.1% on 2013.

SMMT’s weekly round-up, including all the latest news from UK automotive and a message from SMMT’s Chief Executive.  SMMT Update 329 online.

1. UK government announces measures on driverless cars
2. London Mayor calls for improvement on air quality
3. All-Party Parliamentary Motor Group launches annual report
4. London safer lorries consultation published
5. Car clubs receive cash funding
6. Week ahead

1. EU commercial vehicle registrations increase in June
2. EU supports TEN-T infrastructure projects with more than €320 million
3. Polk data shows global new car market up 5.3% in June
4. European electric vehicle sales double in 2013
5. Week ahead

Aston Martin will recruit two new clay sculpting apprentices to its Gaydon headquarters at the beginning of 2015, adding to the 12 already recruited across the business. The expanding apprenticeship programme heralds a new direction for Aston Martin, demonstrating the importance that the manufacturer and wider UK automotive industry now places on developing the next generation of skilled workers

SMMT International Bulletin July/August 2014 edition

UK automotive supplier GKN has agreed a deal that will see Formula One technology fitted to 500 buses across the UK. As part of a supply deal with national bus operator Go-Ahead, GKN will provide vehicles with its innovative Gyrodrive electric flywheel technology, which will help to reduce emissions in cities.