Britain’s relationship with the United States is a long-standing and important one so amid an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape, this week’s confirmation of the UK-US trade deal is great news. That the UK has secured a deal which makes automotive a priority, ahead of many competitors equally eager to safeguard their own trade, should be recognised […]
The UK is blessed with one of the world’s most diverse automotive industries and few auto brands are more famous globally than our quintessentially British small volume manufacturers (SVMs). They may be small volume but their value is high, contributing an annual £5.5bn to UK plc, driving innovation, and directly employing 15,000 people in highly […]
The latest SMMT data published this week shows the UK’s new car market moved in the right direction in May, with a return to overall growth and EV uptake on the rise – but bolder ambition is needed to drive the economic growth and decarbonisation the country needs. Indeed, last month’s uplift was just the second monthly […]
A challenging start to the year for UK automotive manufacturers continued into April, with the latest SMMT data out this week showing vehicle output at a 70-year low for the month. The performance is a reflection of an industry undergoing immense transformation amid strong global headwinds. For the car sector, weak demand in key markets and […]
Auto Trader, the UK’s largest digital automotive marketplace, has released its full year results: Total group revenue and average revenue per retailer both grew by 5% Operating profit increased 8% and basic earnings per share increased 12% Auto Trader expects a slight improvement in revenue growth in the coming year Charlie Huggins, manager of the Quality Shares […]
Motor dealers are reporting rising levels of fraud and attempted fraud, according to new Forecourt Foresight research from Close Brothers Motor Finance. The research reveals that one in five (20%) motor dealers have fallen victim to fraud, and a further 31% have been targeted, but were able to prevent it. As a result, almost four in five […]
We share billions of pounds’ worth of trade with the EU, which is by far our largest and closest automotive partner, so progress at this week’s UK-EU Summit towards a deeper strategic partnership is significant – especially amid the broader geopolitical headwinds. Particularly welcome was the agreement to protect steel from tariffs and the intention to link […]
The UK media has a decisive role in dispelling the myths around EVs so it was a big positive that more than 250 journalists and influencers tried out the very latest models in all their shapes and sizes at SMMT’s 45th annual Test Day this week. A vibrant line-up showed just how rapidly consumer choice is evolving, with four in […]
Robert Salter, a director at Blick Rothenberg said: “The ‘General terms for the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Economic Prosperity Deal’ agreement released on 9 May is not a win for the UK auto industry.” He added: “While a 10% tariff is clearly better than the […]
As the UK commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day last week, it was apt that the country also forged closer ties with two long-standing partners, the US and India. In turbulent times, and given the export-led nature of the UK sector, stable trade relationships are a pre-requisite for the industry to succeed globally. The […]
