If the UK is serious about growth, the automotive sector can be the driving force so this week’s 16th SMMT International Automotive Summit sent that message loud and clear. SMMT’s Vision 2035 plan, launched at the event, sets out the contribution the UK auto industry can make to the UK economy. With the right policies in […]
There could be few more timely SMMT International Automotive Summits than this year’s iteration, as the UK industry’s flagship event focussed on global competitiveness comes little more than a week before Britain goes to the polls. With the formation of a new parliament and fresh legislative agenda, the next government must make Britain even more […]
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) production in the UK is expected to top one million between 2030 and 2035, creating a demand for over 100 GWh of automotive batteries, providing the UK supply chain with a tantalising opportunity for growth and attracting further original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to supercharge momentum. That’s as detailed in the latest […]
With all major UK political parties now having set out their stall for the general election in three weeks’ time, whoever forms the next government must find a long-term strategy that supports our world leading automotive manufacturing base and vibrant new zero emission vehicle (ZEV) market – so that everyone, businesses and consumers, can thrive. […]
A major transition in the UK’s automotive factories is underway with manufacturers retooling to build the very latest and greenest models. New SMMT figures published this week reflect that journey, with an expected downturn in output volumes as production lines are repurposed and scaled up for next-generation models and technologies – technologies which, with favourable industrial and […]
With the country set for the twists and turns of a long-awaited election, planning for a sustainable and competitive future, one in which the UK can lead, must be a top priority for any incoming government. A thriving automotive industry can deliver that future, of decarbonisation, serving society, competing globally and delivering new jobs, but […]
Getting a greener Britain moving means getting the full spectrum of jobs that society and economy needs delivered by zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). From the household car and business van to whole fleets of trucks and buses, the entire road transport fleet must be decarbonised and industry is already doing all it can to deliver. […]
Dealers need to ensure that their forecourts are well stocked to meet consumer demand, but this can be easier said than done. More than two thirds (68%) of dealers are finding it challenging to source the right stock at an affordable price, according to the latest Forecourt Foresight research from Close Brothers Motor Finance. Over half (53%) […]
New car registrations grew in April for the 21st month in a row, SMMT’s latest figures show, with strong demand even in the quieter months raising optimism for the year as a whole. The growth, following the trend of recent months, was driven by fleets, even more resoundingly so for new battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake, […]
Total gross written premiums up 10.7% to £892.2mn Motor own brand premiums up 13.4% to £400.1mn Total in-force policies down 1.8% to 9.3mn Matt Britzman, equity analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown: “Direct Line’s mammoth price hikes continued over the first quarter. Strip out the relatively new partnership with Motabilty, and Direct Line saw 434,000 motor customers walk […]
