In terms of its contribution to the UK economy, the wholesale, retail, maintenance and repair elements of the automotive industry are worth around £36 billion a year (SMMT figure) and could serve as a kick-starter for the wider economy. Ford’s dealer network accommodates roughly 1.2 million customer visits in a “normal” year – many of […]
The latest production figures, released today by SMMT, highlight just how devastating coronavirus has been for the UK automotive sector. Over the course of April, car manufacturing plummeted by -99.7%, with just 197 units made, the lowest level seen since World War Two. All of the cars that left factory gates in the month were […]
With the news that car dealerships can return to work from 1st June, Iain Robertson was keen to discover what it felt like on the frontline and offered his services to a non-franchise but specialist garage on the outskirts of the City of Lincoln. Had I been furloughed, to relieve the (bloody) boredom of self-imposed […]
During April new car registrations fell by -97.3%, a direct result of showroom closures and consumers staying home during lockdown. Not only is this bad news for the industry, it is also a blow to the Treasury as the cost of keeping dealerships closed amounts to as much as £61 million a day, according to […]
The UK automotive manufacturing sector today announced its preparedness to get production lines rolling again, with the publication of new sector-specific guidance by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The best-practice advice will help to ensure all automotive production sites are safe spaces for workers, controlling the risk of transmission. The new guidance […]
Figures published by SMMT this week showed that the UK new car market fell by -97.3% in April, the worst performance since just after WW2 when rationing was still in effect and the country was in the process of rebuilding itself. Whilst these figures are extremely concerning, they are hardly surprising, given that showrooms were […]
Businesses will soon be planning to reopen and get their employees back to work after the government announces the new workplace rules later this week. These rules are likely to include social distancing, wearing of personal protective equipment, and the possibility of staggering work times. One area of importance is how private and company vehicles […]
UK new car registrations declined -97.3% in April, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This marked a record low for the new car market as the coronavirus pandemic forced the nation into lockdown for the entire month, with showrooms closed and car buyers housebound. Just 4,321 new […]
One of the UK’s largest vehicle recycling businesses is set to continue supporting essential services clients, including Royal Mail, with the support of Lloyds Bank. Family-owned Charles Trent Ltd, which recycles more than 50,000 vehicles for parts each year, had seen a 70% fall in demand for its products with fewer people using the roads […]
This week, SMMT released UK automotive production figures for March which highlight the extreme test the sector is facing. Amid coronavirus-led UK plant shutdowns, car manufacturing fell by -36.7% in March, with just 78,767 vehicles being produced, with similar declines for commercial vehicle and engine output. These figures are of great concern and while government’s […]
