Good news from the UK heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market: New registrations were 46.3 per cent higher year-on-year in the second quarter of 2019, with 15,605 units registered. These figures, released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) yesterday, include a number of large orders ahead of the mandatory fitment of Smart Tachographs; these further boosted registrations following a strong first quarter of the year.
SMMT figures show that the UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market rose in July, up 11.0 per cent. The market has grown in every month of 2019, with 25,862 new models registered in July for use on UK roads as operators were enticed by the range of new models and attractive offers on the market.
The UK new car market declined again in July, with 157,198 vehicles leaving showrooms, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Registrations fell by -4.1 per cent, the fifth consecutive month of decline, as political and economic uncertainty and confusion over future government policy on different fuel types continued to knock consumer and business confidence.
Another blow on the automotive industry’s chin as we inch closer towards a no-deal Brexit. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released its latest UK manufacturing figures, and they make a depressing read. British car manufacturing output fell by more than a fifth in the first half of 2019, while commercial vehicle production was down more than 16 per cent and engine production almost 11 per cent. KPMG considers these numbers “worrying.”
Particulate and plastic pollution from brakes, tyres and road wear are in the spotlight again. The Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) released a new report today that highlights the impact of this pollution, and the UK Government reports that Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey and Transport Minister Michael Ellis are “leading a push” to tackle its impact. The aim is for the introduction of an international standard that covers tyre and brake wear.
In contrast to the new car market, SMMT figures reveal that June marked the sixth consecutive month of growth for the UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market, as registrations rose 13.5 per cent. The performance meant a record first six months of the year, as buyers continued to be attracted to the variety of enticing offers and ranges available.
UK new car registrations declined for a fourth consecutive month in June, with year-on-year demand falling by -4.9 per cent to 223,421 units, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 1,269,245 new cars joined British roads in the first half of the year, down -3.4 per cent as ongoing confusion over low emission zones and diesel, the removal of key ultra low emission vehicle incentives and an overall decline in buyer confidence affected the market.
The UK new car market declined by -4.6 per cent in May with 183,724 units registered, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The fall reflects continued uncertainty over diesel and clean air zones as well as the removal of incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Meanwhile, the underlying economic and political instability continues to affect consumer and business confidence.
British car manufacturing output -44.5 per cent in April, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Just 70,971 cars rolled off production lines during the month as factory shutdowns, rescheduled to mitigate against the expected uncertainty of a 29 March Brexit, took effect in many plants across the UK.
Commercial vehicle manufacturing in the UK declined rapidly as a result of planned shutdowns in April. Just 2,162 units were produced, -70.9 per cent down on the previous month. The year to date figure remains positive, with volumes up 10.3 per cent as a result of domestic demand, though exports are still the majority, making up nearly 60 per cent of production in the first four months.
UK car manufacturing output plummeted in April, with figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showing it was down -44.5 per cent year-on-year. 70,971 cars rolled off production lines in the month, as factory shutdowns, rescheduled to mitigate against the expected uncertainty of a 29 March Brexit, took effect in many plants across the UK.
Demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew in April, up 4.7 per cent, according to the latest figures from Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 24,604 vans and pick-ups were registered in the month, with new models and compelling market incentives continuing the strong growth seen in Q1.
The UK new car market declined by -4.1 per cent in April, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The month saw 161,064 units registered, the second lowest April volume since 2012 but following a double-digit increase the previous year.
British car production declined -14.4 per cent in March, falling for the 10th month in a row with 126,195 units rolling off factory lines, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Production for both home and overseas markets declined in double digits, down -18.1 per cent and -13.4 per cent respectively.
Automechanika Birmingham will host industry leaders from the UK aftermarket at an exclusive event, the Aftermarket Power Network, on Tuesday 4 June, in Hall 20 at the NEC. Lord Sebastian Coe will join the launch event to address the group. 200 leading personnel from the UK automotive aftermarket will be at the invitation-only event, hosted in the keynote area of the show and sponsored by ZF, SMMT and IAAF.
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