Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

#SMMTSummit addresses some of the key issues for automotive; the industry roadmap for the net zero transition; how to improve the UK’s competitiveness and compete against fierce global competition; and the opportunities that will arise for businesses that seize the moment and innovate now for the future

We're thrilled to be sponsoring the prestigious Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Annual Dinner this year! As a leading digital experience and HMI agency dedicated to the automotive industry, we're excited to celebrate the resilience and innovation driving the future of mobility. 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Before the evening's festivities begin, we will be hosting a private reception for a select group of attendees. This intimate gathering presents a fantastic opportunity to network, share insights, and explore how Conjure can empower your brand. 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 - Head over to https://lnkd.in/eCYJNgUF to secure your place at our exclusive reception. #automotivetechnology #autotech #hmi #hmiexperts #hmidesign #interface #interfacedesign #connectedservices #connectedcar #connectedvehicle #mobileapps #mobileappdevelopment #digitaltransformation #digitalfuture

In an eventful week, SMMT published its latest data on the UK’s new car market with positive news that EV demand grew almost a quarter in October. It’s a much needed boost, driven by a swathe of new models and unprecedented industry discounting, meaning one in five new EV models now has a lower purchase price than the average petrol or diesel. In spite of this, EV demand did not reach the levels mandated, even in an overall market down by more than 9,000 units. The challenge persists in both the new car and light commercial vehicle markets, but with the cost of manufacturing EVs remaining stubbornly high, industry cannot successfully or indefinitely plug the gap. A suitably ambitious intervention by government to match industry’s investment is, therefore, essential. SMMT’s used car sales figures, also out this week, brought more positivity, showing record numbers of pre-owned EVs are changing hands. Quarter three BEV sales grew by more than half from a year ago to represent one in 37 used transactions. The demand is there at these lower price points, but supply depends on a healthy new car market, so that all motorists on every budget can benefit. More in this week’s Update: https://lnkd.in/e5rYgUBQ

🇬🇧🇪🇺SMMT is delighted to welcome UK Deputy Ambassador to the EU, Caroline Read to our Brussels network meeting today to talk about a strengthened UK-EU relationship and the automotive sector UK Mission to the European Union Konstanze Scharring

This week’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Transport News Brief lead comment, Rising new van uptake but the pressure is on Last month was the busiest October for the new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market in three years, according to SMMT’s latest figures, with 2.4% growth and almost 27,000 vans, pickups and 4x4s joining UK roads. Demand was also at its greenest in 2024, with electric van deliveries rising for the first time in five months, up 61.8% to 2,263 units. Fleets opting to decarbonise should be celebrated, but too few are in comparison with the UK’s mandated levels this year, with EVs representing just 5.6% of all new LCV registrations since January – a considerable distance behind our 10% ambition. It is a concern as manufacturers have made big investments to grow the choice of EVs for fleets, with more than 30 exciting and competitive models. It was welcome and necessary that the Plug-in Van Grant will continue to be available in the next financial year but, evidently, further intervention is going to be needed. Every lever will need to be pulled, especially with the mandate for EV sales planned to rise to 16% of the market next year. Fleet operators need to be confident that going electric is operationally viable but chargepoint infrastructure, certainly that which is suited to the specific needs of vans, is lacking, and remains a worry for operators that want to decarbonise. Among the actions needed is regulatory review to treat all zero emission vans equally and safely – from MOT testing and drivers’ hours to tachograph and speed limiter rules – to avoid discouraging investment. It was positive this issue was raised by Sarah Edwards MP at the House of Commons last week with Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh stating that review, initiated by the previous government, is being continued. It was disappointing for the pickup sector, though, that government is not reflecting HMRC’s decision on double cab taxation in February and will, from April 2025, treat those with a payload above one tonne as cars for capital allowances and benefits in kind. It is set to put the future of new pickup market at serious risk, heaping costs on industries which depend on these vehicles, including farming, construction, utilities and the self-employed. In a tough environment for businesses to invest, it needs to be easier and not harder for operators to replace old vehicles in their fleets, which is the quickest path to decarbonising road transport.

🇬🇧🇪🇺SMMT is delighted to welcome UK Deputy Ambassador to the EU, Caroline Read to our Brussels network meeting today to talk about a strengthened UK-EU relationship and the automotive sector UK Mission to the European Union Konstanze Scharring

It was great to have Mike Hawes, Chief Executive Officer at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), join us to share valuable insights on the new government announcement and its implications for the automotive industry and the future of electric vehicles. Engage in the discussion and leave your thoughts in the comments below! #DHLEVEvent #AutomotiveLogistics #AutomotiveSolutions

🚗 Used car market growth includes record number of EV sales 🚗 The UK used car market saw 4.3% year-on-year growth during the third quarter of 2024. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 1,965,811 vehicles changed hands. This included 53,423 EVs, representing a 57% increase, and the highest EV used market share yet at 2.7%. Read more online: https://lnkd.in/e9rpFbte 🔔 Click our follow button to see regular car and fleet industry news and insights, and subscribe to our newsletter 🔔 #BusinessCar #usedcars #remarketing #evs #electricvehicles

The used car market grew by 4.3% between July and September, marking the seventh successive quarter of YoY growth, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Growth in the used car sector is good news and driven by an outstanding range of desirable and, increasingly, zero emission vehicles to suit every budget. Maintaining this depends on a healthy new car market, particularly for EVs.” https://ow.ly/foL450U22hw

Why hope lies ahead for the British car industry - It's faced a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but there are huge opportunities on the horizon. Fantastic article from Steve Cropley in Autocar featuring SMMT's chief economist, Matt Croucher and head of technology and innovation, David Wong https://lnkd.in/efDQfezT