SMMT News

7,799 commercial vehicles produced during September, a modest increase of 1.8% on 2020, but output remains -8.1% below the five-year average for the month. Exports of commercial vehicles fell by -12.4%, but output for the domestic market increased by 27.3%.…

British car production falls -41.5% in September with 67,169 units leaving factory gates.
Global chip shortage continues to plague production costing suppliers more than £2.4 billion.
Better news for battery electric and hybrid car manufacturing as almost a third of all cars made in UK are now electrified, a new record

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The effects of the pandemic continue to hurt businesses across the sector – supply chain disruption, skills shortages and punitive energy costs. The Budget included some significant steps, most notably in adjusting business rates…

The success of the UK’s manufacturing sector will be central to Government’s ability to deliver on its national ambitions to level up the whole country, reach Net Zero by 2050 and become a global science super-power.
Today, five trade associations together representing sectors with nearly 800,000 employees, annual turnover of £338.2bn and £166bn in exports, publish a joint report setting out policy recommendations to maximise the potential of UK manufacturing to generate and sustain high value jobs and growth.

“The automotive industry is putting zero-emission vehicles on Britain’s roads at pace beyond all forecasts”

SMMT Charitable Trust Fund (SCTF) re-launches £100,000 fund to help Covid-hit automotive businesses protect apprenticeship jobs as government’s furlough scheme ends. SMMT Apprentice Support Programme is accepting applications from small and medium automotive firms from across the entire supply chain.…

SMMT calls for automotive sector to be the engine of the UK’s future international trade deals after new report reveals vehicles are the nation’s most valuable exported good, worth £27 billion.
Total automotive sector trade drops -26% during pandemic-hit 2020 but still reaches £74 billion, benefiting every UK region.
Long-term global car market growth provides major opportunity to accelerate economy.
Supportive Rules of Origin to reflect post-Brexit supplier base and gigafactory investment will aid Global Britain in leading worldwide transition to electric vehicles.

LCV market declines by -39.5% in September as the semiconductor shortage creates supply challenge. New van uptake remains up 28.4% over the year-to-date but -5.9% on five-year pre-pandemic average. Heavy van uptake up 39.3% on 2020, with 181,954 registered over…

New car registrations fall -34.4% on Covid-hit 2020 to 215,312 units, the weakest September since 1998, before the twice-a-year number plate system was introduced.
Supply issues caused by semiconductor shortages continue to plague industry
Battery electric vehicles charge ahead as 32,721 join the road – the best monthly performance ever.