SMMT News

As the UK car industry posts its highest manufacturing figures since 2007, SMMT is showcasing the sector’s diversity in an exhibition of three very different cars at its Westminster headquarters.

UK engine production rose 2.3% to 2,553,316 units in 2013 – the best total since 2008. Growth supported by 9.0% increase in output for domestic market, while exports fell 1.7%. Output rose 3.6% in Q4, despite December dip.

Production of commercial vehicles fell 21.7% in 2013, to 87,671 units. Weak demand in Europe produced difficult environment for CV manufacturers. Output predicted to stay subdued into 2014.   “Production of commercial vehicles struggled in 2013, due to restructuring of…

Car production rose 3.1% in 2013 to surpass 1.5 million units – the highest volume since 2007. Industry analysts predict output to reach record levels of around two million units by 2017. The UK could become the third largest car manufacturer in Europe.

Today in Sunderland (Wednesday 22 January), Nissan – the UK’s largest car manufacturer – began production of its next generation Qashqai, the UK’s most produced model.

SMMT’s weekly round-up, including all the latest news from UK automotive and a message from SMMT’s Chief Executive. CLICK HERE: SMMT Update 301 online.

1. Chancellor delivers speech on UK membership of the EU
2. Chief Executive and Chair appointed for Advanced Propulsion Centre
3. Mayor announces new London taxis need to be zero emission capable from 2018
4. EU to open up public procurement
5. New congestion charge and low emission zone service provider announced
6. Week ahead

1. EU new car market contracts 1.3% in 2013
2. CO2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles proposal adopted by EP
3. Industrial production up by 1.8% in euro area
4. Education Commissioner calls for stronger partnerships between employers and education
5. Week ahead

Based on data, which is preliminary in some cases, global demand for passenger vehicles in December showed significant growth against 2012, up 10.6%.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, today (Thursday 16 January) announced plans that would require all new London taxis to be zero emission capable from January 2018. The new vehicles will need to be able to run on battery power…