The latest SMMT registrations data shows that the new HGV (heavy goods vehicle) market in the UK saw strong growth in the second quarter of 2017, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 11,771 new trucks were registered – a 6.3 per cent rise on the same period last year as manufacturers delivered several large orders to fleets in quarter two.
Exports of British-built vans, trucks and buses rose 11.6 per cent in the first six months of 2017, with almost all headed to the EU, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Nearly two-thirds (63.5 per cent) of commercial vehicles (CVs) built in Britain were exported, with 27,818 of the 43,782 total produced headed to more than 45 countries around the world.
Light commercial vehicle registrations rose by 1.8 per cent in June to 37,349 units. Year to date, the market remains lower than last year by -3.7 per cent with a total of 184,926 units registered in the first six months of 2017, according to the latest SMMT figures.
Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) today show that the UK new car market has declined for a third consecutive month. A total of 243,454 new cars were registered in June, and while this figure represents a decline, registrations fell at a slower pace than in the previous two months, by 4.8 per cent, as demand continued to stabilise following a record first quarter and the subsequent market turbulence caused by the recent changes to Vehicle Excise Duty. The SMMT adds that the market is now “more in line” with 2017 forecasts.
Automechanika Birmingham 2017 represented the perfect opportunity for the UK’s automotive aftermarket to gather as higher technology vehicles continue to push up turnover by 2.4 per cent in 2016. 800 such companies were present at the Birmingham NEC for this year’s show. The aftermarket accounted for £21.6 billion in turnover – a figure boosted by the presence of the more high tech vehicles on Britain’s road in addition to recent record months in new car registrations. Additionally the increasing demand for digital services has helped to boost the online side of the segment, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which reported the latest figures, states that more car parts, accessories and services are bought online than cosmetics or groceries. Tyres, alongside lubricants and filters, are the most commonly replaced part, and help account for some of the growth in digital sales, though demand for digital devices, including telematics and tyre pressure sensors, has grown fastest. Overall, the SMMT states that the automotive sector makes a contribution to the UK economy of £12.5 billion.
British commercial vehicle (CV) production output fell in May as an increase in production for export failed to counteract a drop in domestic demand, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 6,875 vans, trucks, buses and coaches were built in the UK last month, a -11.3 per cent year on year decline.
The UK automotive industry has called on government to seek an interim arrangement with the EU that would maintain membership of the single market and customs union until a final agreement on a new relationship with the EU is negotiated and implemented.
The light commercial vehicle market (LCV) declined in May following a period of exceptionally strong demand, according to figures released by SMMT. 26,982 new vans hit British roads in May, representing a fall of 5.3 per cent.
After hitting record peaks in 2016 and early 2017, the UK’s new car market saw a significant decline in May. New passenger car registrations declined 8.5 per cent, with a total of 186,265 units. In 2017 overall, the market is 0.6 per cent lower than last year, with more than 1.1 million cars registered between January and May. Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) continued their impressive 2017 growth in May, 46.7 per cent higher than in 2016, with a total of 8,258 AFVs registered making 47,936 so far this year. The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) argued that the general election’s short-term impact on consumer confidence has been the key factor, and that medium term prospects remain good for another record-setting year. However KPMG analysts were more taciturn, suggesting car manufacturers have turned their attentions to Europe and expecting a steady decline in 2017.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) Open Forum returns to Automechanika Birmingham on 6 June, bringing together automotive supply chain companies and other stakeholders to highlight the cutting-edge technologies and trends that will influence the next generation of vehicles.
The UK used car market got off to a strong start in 2017 with a record number of vehicles sold in the UK in the first quarter, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A total of 2,133,956 used cars changed hands in the first three months of the year, 3.4 per cent more than in 2016, resulting in the biggest-ever first quarter volume seen.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that the UK new car market experienced a significant decline in April, following exceptional growth in the previous month as buyers brought forward purchases ahead of the switch to new VED rates, which came into force on 1 April 2017. The figures show that 152,076 new cars were registered in April, a -19.8 per cent decline.
Registrations of new light commercial vehicles decreased in April, falling 18.8 per cent to 22,625 units, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The performance follows a period of rapidly growing levels of demand, with registrations in April 2016 the highest on record.
KPMG says UK car manufacturers’ increasing production comes as a result of a period of investment running to “billions of pounds.” Simon Heath, automotive M&A specialist for KPMG in the UK commented on the SMMT car production figures that were up 7.3 per cent in March 2017.
Exports continued to drive British car manufacturing in March, as demand rose 10.6 per cent in the month, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A total of 170,691 cars were built in the UK last month, up 7.3 per cent, with overseas buyers ordering more than 76 per cent of output. The month’s output exceeds that of March 2000, when 183,787 cars were built in the UK.
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