SMMT News

With vehicle and engine plants in the UK, Toyota is a major force in UK automotive manufacturing and is showcasing the diversity of its model line-up in a two-week-long exhibition at SMMT’s Westminster headquarters. The exhibition includes the best-selling Auris Hybrid, and the high-performance GT86 sports car.

Bentley Motors has announced that it will proceed with the development of the Bentley SUV, the company’s fourth model line, at its Crewe facility from 2016. The SUV will create more than 1,000 jobs in the UK, with Bentley investing more than £800m in its headquarters at Crewe and the development of new models over the next three years.

SMMT’s weekly round-up, including all the latest news from UK automotive.

1. Government confirms £500 million to 2020 for ultra-low emission vehicles
2. Lobbying Bill published
3. Parliamentary debate on EU-US trade held
4. TfL issues report on London 2012 transport legacy
5. Government announces £85 million for key technologies
6. Week ahead

1. Outcomes of first round of EU-US trade negotiations
2. EU and China meet to discuss green growth
3. Latest Eurozone inflation figures published
4. Week ahead

UK car manufacturing grew 1.1% in the first half of 2013, to 764,390 units.

Global demand for passenger vehicles in June was down slightly from the year before, but this setback was not enough to diminish the positive performance posted in the first half of the year.

A new research facility at Brunel University, which will help revolutionise manufacturing methods for UK car makers, has been announced today. as part of government’s £85 million investment in technologies to drive growth.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the creation of more than 100 UK jobs, as half-year sales figures show that the Goodwood-based luxury vehicle manufacturer appears set for another record year.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced that the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) will receive £500 million of new funding.