Latest news for Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders SMMT 
Car manufacturers are more realistic on electric vehicles pricing(27/09/2011)
According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), just 812 buyers have taken up the Government’s £5000 Plug-In-Car Grant so far this year, suggesting that electric vehicles are still too expensive for most consumer and fleet buyers. “More than a dozen new electric and hybrid vehicles are set to hit the UK market over the next year, but most of them will be decorating showrooms unless manufacturers are more... [more]
Plug-In Car Grant will go ahead from January 2011(06/08/2010)
Transport secretary, Philip Hammond, has confirmed that the ‘Plug-In Car Grant’, designed to stimulate demand for low carbon vehicles, will go ahead from January 2011. Speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) offices, Mr Hammond confirmed that from next year, motorists will be entitled to a ‘Plug-In Car Grant’ of up to £5,000 when buying an electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell car, providing it meets safet... [more]
Trends for buses are downward except for minibuses(29/06/2010)
Big buses registrations have fallen 31% May 2010 versus last year with a sharp fall for double decks. Big coaches registrations are down 31% at May 2010 on a year earlier. However, there was a 7.2% rise in 3.5t to 8.5t buses at May and 18.4 per cent year to date. “Trends for buses are generally downward, except for minibuses,” said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the SMMT. “Coaches, though down in May are rising on the ... [more]
Scrappage scheme continued to boost car market(15/02/2010)
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy with £51 billion turnover and £10 billion value added. With over 800,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK exports and invests £1 billion each year in R&D. In the last ten years, huge strides have been made to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout the life cycle. Improvements in production processes mean energy used to produce cars is dow... [more]
SMMT Electric Vehicle Group promotes collaborative approach to the development of ultra-low carbon technologies(26/06/2009)
A cross-section of the motor industry representing volume manufacturers, niche vehicle producers and component suppliers has met for the first time to form the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) new Electric Vehicle Group. Seeking to interact with government, stakeholders and industry both in the UK and internationally, the Electric Vehicle Group will promote a collaborative industry-wide approach to the development of ultra-lo... [more]
Scrappage scheme paid by fuel duty bombshell(23/04/2009)
The AA has welcomed the Chancellor’s plans for a vehicle scrappage scheme whereby the consumer will receive a benefit of £2,000 (£1000 government grant and £1000 from vehicle manufacturers) if they cash in vehicles registered before 31 July 1999, but attacked the unexpected plans to hike fuel duty by 2p per litre in September as a “body blow” and “fuel duty bombshell”. In effect, motorists will be paying for the scrappage scheme at the pumps. ... [more]
2010 British International Motor Show cancelled(23/03/2009)
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has taken the difficult decision to cancel the 2010 British International Motor Show. SMMT, with the support of the UK motor industry, remains committed to showcasing the achievements and products of the automotive sector. However, the economic downturn and the unprecedented challenges facing the industry both in the UK and around the world, have made it impossible for exhibitors to commit to ... [more]
Car sales drop while vans and trucks registrations are up(13/03/2008)
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 69,610 new cars were sold during February, 5.4 per cent down on 2007. "February’s car sales drop was not unexpected, but with consumer confidence still fragile, the Bank of England would have been better advised to cut the interest rate rather than hold at the current level" said Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commenting on c... [more]
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