Winter tyres: Insurance should not be an issue, says AA
With some meteorologists forecasting the UK's third harsh winter in succession, car manufacturers and tyre companies are widely advocating the fitting of winter tyres.
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SMMT back winter tyres with media event
NewsThe SMMT, and the journalists the association invited to a recent media event, have come out in support of using winter tyres. “Tyres can have a major effect on a car’s performance, improving its safety and keeping it moving in winter conditions,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “Winter tyres provide greater grip and handling, reducing braking distances in cold, wet conditions as well as on snow and ice. With temperatures starting to drop and the wetter seasons approaching, motorists should make sure they have the best tyres for the road and climate conditions.”
Commercial vehicle sales up
News"Commercial vehicle sales remain strong with around 23 per cent growth in August. Whilst economic uncertainty is ever present, truck and van sales are retaining their strength with all sectors in the market performing better than last year." said Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association which represents commercial vehicle and franchised car retailers across the UK, commenting on the SMMT’s van and truck registration figures.
New car market rises after 13 month decline: SMMT
NewsThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported that the UK has seen the monthly new car market rise for the first time in over a year. August new registrations rose by 7.3 per cent to 59,346 units, representing the first monthly rise since June 2010. The rise was mainly the result of increased private demand, up 10.7 per cent, though fleet business also grew 4.5 per cent. The main car size to benefit was the ever-popular Supermini segment, which rose by 17.6 per cent to account for 37.3 per cent of the August market. Outlook for the rest of 2011 remained “challenging” according to the society.
SMMT figures: UK car manufacturing rises, CV down
NewsThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has revealed that car manufacturing rose 1.3 per cent in July and is up 3.7 per cent over the first seven months of 2011. Commercial vehicle output has not been able to match the upwards creep of car manufacturing, with a decline of 5.9 per cent in July, down 5.1 per cent over the January-July period. UK engine production is stable, dipping just 0.4 per cent in July and up 4.0 per cent for the year-to-date. Vehicle production in the UK is less fragile than much of the UK economy thanks to strong exports.
Average car 15 per cent greener than 5 years ago
NewsResearch by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders SMMT shows that the average new car emits 15 per cent less CO2 than five years ago. The data also shows that Greater London and the North West saw a fall in the number of registered cars over the last five years. Meanwhile the figures highlighted that proportionally Plymouth has the fewest low-carbon cars, while Leeds is the pinkest town in the UK.
CV Show confirms 2012 dates
NewsThe Commercial Vehicle Show LLP has announced plan for another full CV Show to be held at the NEC, Birmingham, from 24-26 April 2012. The announcement follows positive feedback from the 2011 CV Show which attracted over 16,000 people. The CV Show LLP also announced the appointment of Crystal Communications to manage the organisation of the Show, including sales, marketing and operations.
SMMT broadcasts automotive summit across Internet
NewsSenior figures from across the automotive industry are meeting for the annual SMMT International Automotive Summit in Westminster today, which is being broadcast live across the Internet. The industry has had a major boost in recent weeks with huge investments announced by BMW and Nissan, but is the wider industry able to secure similar funding? For our part, Tyres & Accessories has lodged a question about the effect of the Longbridge revival and the UK’s relationship with China on the tyre trade, which we will report on as and when this is answered.
24.1% higher April registrations show continued commercial vehicle recovery
NewsApril’s total van and truck registrations were up 24.1 per cent to 21,578, meaning the rolling year total is up 24.3 per cent to 280,775. The latest SMMT figures also show that April’s truck total was up 40.1 per cent to 3,497 (rolling year up 17.5 per cent to 37,544), while the van breakdown was up 21.4 per cent to 18,081 (rolling year up 25.5 per cent to 243,231).
Diesel, fleet purchases support April car registrations figures
NewsThe April UK new car market fell by 7.4 per cent to 137,746 units, according to the latest figures issued by the SMMT. However, the market was 1.5 per cent ahead of forecast and said to be “on par with the 2010 market” if take the scrappage volumes out of consideration. Year-to-date, registrations over the first four months of 2011 were down 8.5 per cent to 696,082 units, leaving the SMMT’s full-year forecast unchanged at 1.93 million units.
Despite the tough market conditions, fleet demand reportedly remains robust, up 6.5 per cent in April, while diesel volumes also recorded strong growth. Diesel cars represented 52.7 per cent of the total market in April and have shown year-on-year growth in every month of 2011. The VW Golf was the best selling diesel in April. Alternatively fuelled car registrations rose by 48.1 per cent in April.
SMMT sees strong commercial registration February growth of 27%
NewsWhile the car market stayed low in February, registrations of new trucks and vans were up by more than a quarter on February 2010, at 27.4 per cent. Trucks saw a rise of 50.9 per cent to 2,068, making the figures in the first two months 36,070 units registered, or a rise of 11.1 per cent. Vans were up 23.8 per cent to 11,113 in February, keeping growth consistent from January, meaning 230,658 units have been registered in 2011 to date, up 22.7 per cent.
SMMT satisfied with new car registration 7.7% February decline
NewsWhile new car registrations dipped in February 2011 compared with February 2010, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said the returns represented less of a drop than had been expected, given that the previous year had been boosted by the government’s Scrappage Incentive Scheme. The first two months of 2011 have seen 192,235 units registered, down 10.2 per cent. While the decline in registrations was the eighth straight month in negative figures, the 7.7 per cent drop represented the smallest drop in this time period. This was thanks mainly to fleet demand, which grew 8.6 per cent. The executive, luxury saloon, sports car and MPV segments continued to show “double-digit growth”; diesel cars took more than 50 per cent of the market.
RHA And FTA Welcome Chancellor's Comments On Fuel Duty
Company NewsThe Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association has welcomed comments made today by chancellor George Osborne that the Government is addressing the fuel duty issue. When questioned on BBC WM today Mr Osborne commented that plans made by the previous chancellor, Alistair Darling to increase fuel duty on 1 April by one penny per litre, in addition to inflation, could be addressed. "We can override it, we are looking at that", said Mr Osborne.
SMMT calls for fuel duty freeze
Company NewsThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has called on the UK government to freeze fuel duty to relieve immediate financial pressure on businesses, fleet operators, hauliers and motorists. According to the Society the duty rise planned for April this year threatens industry, businesses and consumer confidence at a crucial and fragile point in the UK's economic recovery.
Michelin Celebrates Double Centenary at 81 Fulham Road
NewsMichelin marked a double centenary today, kicking off a series of events celebrating the 100th anniversary of both Michelin House (81 Fulham Street, South Kensington) and 100 years of the company's iconic guide books in the British Isles.
The building was officially opened on 20 January 1911 as Michelin’s then UK headquarters, in the presence of co-founder André Michelin and a host of distinguished guests including the French Ambassador and the then president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Now exactly 100 years later the company plans to re-enact that historic moment with a similar VIP event. On 20 January 2011, leading political, business and industry dignitaries (rumoured to include company managing partner Michel Rollier and current SMMT head) have been invited to attend an evening of celebration at Michelin House as part of a series of landmark events. These will also include a recognition luncheon for employees, including those who worked at Michelin House during the Fulham Road building’s heyday in the eighties.
