Industry News

Latest Industry News

13/04/2019

Record number of plug-in cars on UK roads as ownership surges by three quarters

UKs biggest automotive analysis reveals UKs plug-in car fleet ownership rises 76.6% in 2018,

SMMT response to Brexit extension

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive

Government gives green light to new competitiveness and productivity initiative for automotive manufacturers

Innovative NMCL package will boost the performance of the UK’s advanced manufacturing supply chain

UK car market falls in March as uncertainty undermines buyer confidence

UK new car market down -3.4% in key plate change month

SMMT response to Withdrawal Agreement vote

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive Another defeat means more uncertainty and more disruption

UK car production sees double digit decline in February

British car manufacturing declines -15.3% in February, with 123,203 units produced.

UK engine production declines -7.0% in February

UK engine manufacturing down -7.0% in February, with 235,595 units built.

SMMT statement on no-deal vote

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: Parliaments clear rejection of no-deal is welcome, but the law

SMMT statement on tariff announcement

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: Todays announcement does not resolve the devastating effect a 'no deal'

SMMT statement on Brexit vote

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: Todays vote leaves us perilously close to the cliff edge

Ex-forces join automotive front line to boost industry know how and plug skills gap

New Armed Forces initiative, Mission Automotive, helps ex-military talent into new careers and plugs vital

UK new van market stable in February

New van registrations rise 1.8% to 14,384 units in February 2019.

UK car production falls -18.2% in January

British car production falls -18.2% in first month of the year, reflecting model changes and

UK engine production declines -9.5% in January

UK engine manufacturing down -9.5% in January, with 241,727 units built. Double-digit drop in domestic…

SMMT statement on Honda announcement

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: Today's announcement is a huge blow to UK automotive manufacturing

UK used car market finishes 2018 moderately down with 7.9m sales

Used market drops -2.1% in 2018, with 167,980 fewer cars changing hands compared with 2017

British engine production broadly stable in 2018 as exports drive demand

UK engine manufacturing stable in 2018, down just -0.3% to 2.7 million units.

SMMT statement on Brexit vote

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: As MPs prepare to vote on the governments Brexit deal

SMMT statement on Brexit vote result

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: The vote against the Brexit deal on the table brings

December EV registrations

New UK van market holds steady after mixed 2018

Light commercial vehicle (LCV) market shows moderate -1.3% decline in 2018. 357,325 registrations enough to…

Serious decline for British car manufacturing in November

British car manufacturing declines -19.6% in November. Production for home and overseas down -1.9% and

UK engine manufacturing decreases in November

November sees -14.2% decline in UK engine production as manufacturers respond to market changes. Exports…

Automotive industry warns of catastrophe of exiting EU without an agreement; No Deal must be off the table

No Deal must be taken off the table or risk destroying the automotive industry and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it supports, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) warned today. âNo Dealâ with the EU would have an

Modest -3.0% decline for November UK new car market

UK new car market down -3.0% in November to 158,639 units, reflecting uncertainty, falling consumer

UK car manufacturing falls in October

UK car manufacturing falls -9.8% in October with 140,374 cars leaving production lines.

28/11/2018

SMMT announces new President

The 81st President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) will be Dr George Gillespie

SMMT response to the Brexit Agreement

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: For the automotive industry, Brexit is about damage limitation.

New heavy truck market drops -7.0% in Q3 2018

Demand for new heavy goods vehicles falls -7.0% in Q3 to 9,853 units. Declines for

SMMT response to the Budget 2018

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: There are some welcome announcements in the Budget, including further

UK new car market falls in exceptional September as supply issues bite

UK new car market falls -20.5% in September to 338,834 units as regulatory changes impact…

UK new van market declines -6.1% in September

Demand for large vans remains solid, but fewer purchases of small and medium models pull…

UK car manufacturing falls in August as production changes affect summer output

UK car manufacturing declines -12.9% in August, with 89,254 units produced. Production for home market…

UK commercial vehicles output remains steady in August

UK CV manufacturing falls -1.6% in August, with 3,685 units rolling off production lines. Output…

First SMMT quality management conference taking place in November

Inaugural SMMT Automotive Quality Management Systems (AQMS) Conference to be held at the NEC, Birmingham,…

August – EV registrations

Plug-In Car Grant: Since the launch of the Plug-In Car Grant in January 2011, there…

British-built engines enjoy 13.0% July growth in exports

UK engine production remains steady in July, increasing by a modest 1.0%. Exports growth outweighs…

SMMT invites best of British companies to put future technologies in the spotlight at Japan exhibition

Best of British companies to exhibit at largest international exhibition for the electric vehicle sector.…

New HGV registrations fall -9.4% in Q2 2018

New heavy goods vehicle market declines in Q2 2018, falling -9.4% to 10,670 units. Demand…

UK bus and coach demand falls -3.6% in Q2

New bus and coach registrations fall -3.6% in Q2, with 2,029 vehicles joining UK roads.…

06/08/2018

July – EV registrations

Plug-In Car Grant: Since the launch of the Plug-In Car Grant in January 2011, there…

New van market declines -5.9% in July

New light commercial vehicle market declines -5.9% July with 23,309 vans and pick-ups registered. Double-digit…

UK automotive supply chain reaps Â£54m competitiveness boost from LTASC funding programme

â¢ Government-backed Â£13m Long Term Automotive Supply Chain Competitiveness (LTASC) fund drives Â£41m private investment…

31/07/2018

British engine production falls in June but puts in record performance so far this year

UK engine production falls -3.5% in June as demand from British car plants declines. Exports…

12/07/2018

SMMT response to government’s exit from and new partnership with the EU White Paper

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: Todayâs white paper is a welcome step forward in replicating…

12/07/2018

SMMT response to government’s exit from and new partnership with the EU White Paper

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: Todayâs white paper is a welcome step forward in replicating…

09/07/2018

UK Automotive committed to zero emission ambition but barriers must be addressed together

UK motor industry shares governmentâs goal of zero emission transport, but barriers need to be addressed.

05/07/2018

UK new van market declines 5.8% in June

UK new van registrations fall -5.8% in June, with more than 35,000 hitting UK roads.…

04/07/2018

UK now biggest EU market for Korean car brands underlining strength of automotive trade

UK now largest EU new car market for Korean car brands, with some 190,215 vehicles registered in 2017. Korea is UK Autoâs third biggest Asian export market, behind only China and Japan, as demand for British-built cars quadruples since 2010.

UK car manufacturing grows 1.3% in May

UK car manufacturing rises 1.3% in May, with 137,225 units produced.Output for UK grows 12.8% following -12.8% decline in May 2017 as domestic market resets.Year-to-date production remains down, by -2.9%, but more than 700,000 cars built in first five m

28/06/2018

UK CV manufacturing remains stable in April as exports drive output

UK commercial vehicle manufacturing holds steady in May, declining -0.6%. Overseas demand drives production, up 11.6%, while home demand falls -21.9%.

28/06/2018

Exports drive UK engine manufacturing growth in May

British engine manufacturing rises again in May, up 5.1% to 242,391 units. 18.7% growth in production for export offsets -12.4% decline in domestic demand.

Katherine Ryan announced as after dinner speaker for the 102nd SMMT Annual Dinner

Comedian, writer and actress Katherine Ryan has been confirmed as the celebrity guest speaker for…

01/06/2018

UK automotive industry assesses supply chain opportunities from future tech at SMMT Open Forum

Vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and technology innovators come together to discuss the future of the car…

31/05/2018

Britainâs engine production hits record-breaking pace as more than 1 million engines made in 2018 so far

UK engine manufacturing surpasses 1 million mark in April for first time on record. Highest…

16/05/2018

New heavy truck market declines in Q1 2018

New UK heavy goods vehicle market declines in Q1 2018, down -6.0% on same quarter…

26/04/2018

UK commercial vehicle production declines for seventh month in March

British commercial vehicle production declines for seventh month in March, down -10.8% to 7,145 units.…

24/04/2018

Britsâ dependence on commercial vehicles revealed as new research shows 9 in 10 would be worse off without them

Almost 9 in 10 (88%) British consumers say reduced or restricted services from CV-driven services…

16/04/2018

Female car owners up 20% in a decade, reveals UKâs biggest automotive Motorparc analysis

UKâs biggest automotive analysis by SMMT reveals changing face of British car ownership, with female…

05/04/2018

British new van market declines -5.6% in March

UK new van registrations fall -5.6% in March, with just under 60,000 hitting UK roads.…

05/04/2018

UK new car market falls -15.7% in March as new â18 plate hits roads

As predicted, the UK new car market fell in March, down -15.7%, but still the fourth biggest March ever for the sector. Fall in diesel demand continues, down -37.2% compared to same month last year, with AFVs up 5.7% and petrol holding steady at 0.5%. Ove

04/04/2018

SMMT response Vauxhall van announcement

Mike Hawes SMMT chief executive said:Â This announcement is great news for the UK automotive…

29/03/2018

UK CV manufacturing down by a quarter in February

British commercial vehicle production falls -24.2% in February to 6,019 units. Decline in both home…

29/03/2018

UK car manufacturing falls in February, with double-digit decline in domestic demand

British car manufacturing declines -4.4% in February to 145,475 units. Exports steady, dipping -0.8%, with…

29/03/2018

Double-digit growth for UK engine exports drives new records in February

More than a quarter of a million engines produced by British factories in February. Exports…

Competitiveness must be a priority as critical investment decisions loom for UK Automotive

With one year to go until the UK leaves the EU, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) today set out its priorities to assure the UK automotive industryâs future success. The move follows agreement of a Brexit transition period, design

15/03/2018

Automotive industry assembles in South West to examine challenges and assess growth opportunities post-Brexit

SMMT Regional Forum unites automotive business leaders from across the South West to discuss new…

12/02/2018

New bus and coach market declines in 2017

Double-digit decline in new bus and coach market in 2017, down -12.7%. Registrations of minibuses,…

31/01/2018

UK commercial vehicle manufacturing declines -16.7% in 2017

More than 78,000 commercial vehicles built in the UK in 2017, down -16.7% year on year.

31/01/2018

Record engine production in 2017 as demand grows, home and abroad

British engine manufacturing rises 6.9% to all-time high of 2.7 million units in 2017

December 2017 new car pre-registration figures

SMMT released figures for December pre-registrations in the UK new car market. The data shows…

22/01/2018

New cars in UK safer than ever before with 1.8 million fitted with collision warning systems

Nearly 7 in 10 new cars available with driver assistance systems, with 1.8 million buyers a year benefitting from collision avoidance technology. Autonomous emergency braking, parking assistance and blind spot sensors also top the list of most popular tec

10/01/2018

Automotive Sector Deal between government and industry isÂ announced

An Automotive Sector Deal between government and the automotive industry has today been announced by…

05/01/2018

UK average new car CO2 figures for 2017 rise for first time in two decades, up 0.8% on 2016

New figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that carbon tailpipe emissions have risen for the first time since 1997, with new cars averaging 121.04g/km, up 0.8% on 2016.

November 2017 new car pre-registration figures

SMMT released figures for November pre-registrations in the UK new car market. The data shows…

21/12/2017

British-built engine demand continues growth in November

British engine manufacturing grows 11.4% in November to 279,532 units.

21/12/2017

CV manufacturing declines by a third in November

November UK production of commercial vehicles declines -34.6% to 6,312 units.

November 2017 – EV registrations

Plug-In Car Grant: Since the launch of the Plug-In Car Grant in…

28/11/2017

SMMT President calls for faster, concrete progress in agreeing a transition period for Brexit

In his keynote address at the SMMT’s 101st Annual Dinner, SMMT President Tony Walker, urges…

23/11/2017

Local sourcing drives UK engine manufacturing growth in October

British engine production rises 14.7% in October to 263,141. Production for UK up 26.3% to…

22/11/2017

SMMT response to the Autumn Budget 2017

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive responded to today’s Autumn Budget: The Autumn Budget contains some positive measures and we are pleased to see a renewed commitment to new and future vehicle technology. The investment in charge points and new incentive

06/11/2017

Double digit decline for UK car market in October as government urged to restore confidence in new cleaner diesels

The UK new car market declined for a seventh consecutive month in October, with 158,192 new units registered, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Demand fell by -12.2% in the month, as falling conf

26/10/2017

UK engine manufacturing surpasses 2 million in Q3 â the first time since records began

Engine production rises 3.9% in September with more than 248,463 units made for home and…

24/10/2017

Japan-UK auto trade as strong as ever as third more British car buyers choose Japanese brands

UK consumer demand for Japanese car brands rises 38.2% in five years, with more than…

05/10/2017

Demand for new cars declines in September as consumer and business confidence falls

The UK new car market declined for a sixth consecutive month in September, with 426,170 new units registered, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

05/10/2017

New van market declines in September as business confidence dented

Demand for new vans declines -4.2% in September to 57,368 units. Pickups and heavier van…

28/09/2017

UK engine manufacturing posts double digit growth in August as exports drive demand

Engine production rises 11.9% in August with more than 150,000 made for export and home markets…

August 2017 new car pre-registration figures

The data shows the number of cars disposed of by vehicle manufacturers in August 2017 that were defined as pre-registrations.

05/09/2017

UK new car market reports slower August as more buyers await new 67-plate

The UK new car market reported its fifth consecutive month of decline in August, according to figures published today by SMMT. Registrations fell -6.4%, after a record August in 2016.

UK car buyers to benefit from toughest-ever emissions tests

Toughest ever new car emissions tests come into force today. All newly launched car models…

24/08/2017

British car manufacturing rebounds in July as new models hit production lines

British car manufacturing rose 7.8% in July, with 136,397 new units rolling off UK production lines.

24/08/2017

CV manufacturing declines in July, but exports remain steady in 2017

UK CV manufacturing fell -26.1% in July with 6,499 vans, trucks, buses and coaches built.

24/08/2017

Strong July for UK engine manufacturing as investment continues to deliver returns

12.0% July engine production boost counteracts June dip, with output rising by more than 20,000 units ahead of planned August plant upgrades.

15/08/2017

SMMT statement in response to government announcement on future customs arrangements

SMMT has issued a statement in response to government’s announcement on future customs arrangements.

Commercial vehicle exports rise in first half of 2017, with 95% destined for EU

Exports of British-built vans, trucks and buses rose 11.6% in the first six months of 2017, with almost all headed to the EU.

04/08/2017

July 2017 â EV registrations

SMMT has released electric vehicle (EV) registrations for July 2017.

04/08/2017

New car market falls in July as demand declines across business and consumer sectors

161,997 new cars registered in July as market declines -9.3% â the fourth consecutive monthly…

04/08/2017

Stable growth for new van market in July

The new van market remained stable in July, rising 1.1% with 24,766 registrations last month, according to SMMT figures.

31/07/2017

Government urged to put automotive at heart of Brexit agenda as UK motorists face 10% increase in servicing costs

British motorists could see their annual car service and repair costs rise by 10% to Â£777 after Brexit if no deal is reached between the UK and the EU. A new report published today by SMMT shows that the UKâs collective car repair bill could rise

27/07/2017

June car manufacturing falls as industry calls on government to outline Brexit plans

UK car manufacturing falls -13.7% in June as 136,901 cars leave production lines. First half…

27/07/2017

Overall commercial vehicle production falls in first half of 2017 despite strong export growth

British commercial vehicle manufacturing falls -4.7% in June 2017 with 7,324 CVs built last month.…

27/07/2017

British-built engine demand holds up in 2017 despite June fall

Engine manufacturing remains robust year-to-date, with demand up 3.6% overall in the first half-year. Performance…

26/07/2017

SMMT statement in response to government diesel and petrol plans

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, The UK government’s ambition for all new cars and…

May 2017 new car pre-registration figures

Today, SMMT released figures for May pre-registrations in the UK new car market. The data…

05/07/2017

New car market declines in June as demand stabilises over second quarter

The UK new car market has declined for a third consecutive month with 243,454 new units registered in June, according to figures released by SMMT. Registrations fell at a slower pace than in the previous two months, by -4.8%, as demand continued to stabil

29/06/2017

Exports drive UK new car production but May down as manufacturers gear up for new models

New car production falls -9.7% overall in May as car makers adjust production schedules for…

29/06/2017

Exports lead engine production growth in May

Engine manufacturing bounces back after Easter dip, with output up 5.5% to 230,606 units. Production…

20/06/2017

UK Automotive calls for âbusiness as usualâ interim arrangements to avoid cliff edge

The UK automotive industry has today 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 implemen

20/06/2017

UK Automotive achieves record turnover of Â£77.5 billion, marking seventh consecutive year of growth

UK Automotiveâs 18th annual Sustainability Report reveals the manufacturing sector turned over a record Â£77.5 billion in 2016.

09/06/2017

SMMT response to 2017 General Election results

SMMT has released a statement in response to the 2017 General Election results on behalf of UK Automotive.

British motorists buy more car parts, accessories and services online than cosmetics or groceries finds new research

UK automotive aftermarket increases turnover to Â£21.6 billion as more high tech vehicles hit the…

05/06/2017

May 2017 â EV registrations

SMMT has released electric vehicle (EV) registrations for May 2017.

05/06/2017

New car registrations decline in May ahead of general election

The UK new car market declined in May ahead of the general election, with demand falling -8.5%, according to figures released today by SMMT. 186,265 new cars were registered in the month, with business purchases driving the market, up 20.1%, to offset dec

SMMT Open Forum to highlight £2.6 billion digitisation supply chain opportunity

SMMT Open Forum returns to Automechanika Birmingham on 6 June, to highlight the latest cutting-edge technologies and trends.

25/05/2017

UK car manufacturing falls in April, but YTD output remains strongest for 17 years

Car output falls 18.2% as Easter bank holiday results in fewer manufacturing days. Year-to-date production…

25/05/2017

SMMT launches Motor Industry Facts 2017

SMMT has launched its comprehensive guide to all things UK Automotive, Motor Industry Facts 2017,…

Engine output growing in 2017 despite April decline

Engine manufacturing reduced by 14.5% in April as month shortened by Easter break. Year-to-date remains…

18/05/2017

Record first quarter for UK used car market

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 SMMT. 2,133,956 used cars changed hands in the first three months of the year, 3.4% more than in 2

05/05/2017

SMMT statement in response to government draft UK Air Quality Plan

SMMT has released a statement in response to the government draft UK Air Quality Plan.

04/05/2017

UK new car demand falls in April as new VED rates come into force

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.

April 2017 â EV registrations

Plug-In Car Grant: Since the launch of the Plug-In Car Grant in January 2011, there…

27/04/2017

Best month since 2000 for UK car manufacturing as exports drive production demand

British car makers produced 170,691 vehicles in March, up 7.3%, the biggest month in 17…

27/04/2017

March delivers all-round high for engine manufacturing as Q1 output surpasses 700,000 for first time

UK engine manufacturing output rises a fifth in March (19.5%) to 271,359 units. Home market delivers 21.4% increase in production for the month â exceeding overseas growth in a reversal of the year-to-date trend.

10/04/2017

10 facts you need to know about diesel

This March, an all-time record number of diesel cars were registered. SMMT reveals why they are so popular, and the important role they can play in helping improve air quality in towns and cities, and tackling climate change.

05/04/2017

Records tumble as March UK new car market hits all-time high

The UKâs new car market grew by 8.4% in March, making it the biggest month since records began. The record performance came as buyers seized the chance to buy cars before the new vehicle excise duty (VED) rates came into force. From 1 April, under th

30/03/2017

Connected and autonomous vehicles will improve quality of life for six in 10 people with limited mobility, finds new study

Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) will transform the lives of six out of every 10 people in the UK, according to new research published by SMMT.

29/03/2017

UK Automotive demands government delivers deal to safeguard competitiveness

SMMT has renewed its call for the automotive industry to be at the heart of Brexit negotiations.

23/03/2017

Double digit growth for UK car exports in February drives monthly production above 150,000

Double-digit growth in demand for British-built cars last month helped deliver the biggest February for UK car production in 17 years.

23/03/2017

Exports provide February lift for UK engine manufacturing

Upward trend for UK engine manufacturing continues in February, with 3.0% growth in a second…

22/03/2017

India imports of British-built cars grow 11-fold as demand for premium vehicles soars

UK car exports to India have grown almost 11-fold in the past seven years, in 2016, Indian motorists bought 3,372 British-built cars.

14/03/2017

Government and UK Automotive discuss Britain as a world leader in future technology ahead of major event on connected and self-driving vehicles

Government and the UK automotive industry came together today to discuss plans to position Britain…

09/03/2017

UK Automotive unites at Automechanika Birmingham to target more British parts for British cars

SMMTâs Meet the Buyer event returns to Automechanika Birmingham as industry and government join to support inward investment.

08/03/2017

SMMT response to Budget 2017

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes has responded to the budget on behalf of the UK automotive industry.

06/03/2017

UK new car market holds steady in February

The UK new car market remained steady in February, dipping just -0.3%, according to figures released by SMMT.

02/03/2017

UK CO2 emissions fall for 19th consecutive year but SMMT warns anti-diesel agenda will halt progress

UK average new car CO2falls to new low of 120.1g/km, down -1.1% on 2015 and…

27/02/2017

Search begins for UK Automotiveâs top 100 rising female stars

UK Automotive is on the search for the sectorâs future leaders as the Great British Women in the Car Industry awards returns.

UK car manufacturing starts 2017 on a high with best January performance in nine years

UK car manufacturing had a successful start to 2017, with output in January up 7.5% compared with the same month last year

Carmakers come together to promote low emission vehicles, as motorists across UK call for greater incentives to switch and better charging infrastructure

UK Automotive demonstrated its commitment to developing the latest low emission vehicles during a special display of 26 vehicles in London, underlining the diversity and appeal of alternatively fuelled vehicles.

23/02/2017

Best ever January for British engine production

Strong start for British engine production in 2017, with output rising 12.0% to 235,076 units â the best January on record.

13/02/2017

Double-decks drive 2016 growth for UK bus and coach market

The UKâs new bus and coach market saw a second consecutive year of growth in 2016, as demand rose 8.0%.

06/02/2017

UK new car market kick-starts 2017 with milestone for alternatively fuelled vehicles

The UK new car market achieved a 12-year high in January, according to figures published by SMMT. 174,564 vehicles left showrooms last month â a 2.9% year-on-year uplift and the highest level since 2005. Significantly, however, the alternatively fuel

January 2017 EV registrations

Plug-In Car Grant: Since the launch of the Plug-In Car Grant in January 2011, there…

26/01/2017

17 year high for British car manufacturing as global demand hits record levels

7 million cars built in the UK in 2016, an increase of 8.5% and the…

05/01/2017

UK new car market achieves record 2.69 million registrations in 2016 with fifth year of growth

The UK new car market achieved another record year in 2016, with annual registrations climbing for the fifth year in a row to almost 2.7 million.

David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, and DfT and BEIS ministers host roundtable with SMMT and automotive leaders

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) today hosted a roundtable discussion chaired by…

Britain’s used car market motors to record levels in Q3 as 2.1 million vehicles change hands

Growth in the used car market continued in the third quarter of 2016 as UK buyers snapped up a record 2,148,050 vehicles.

Strong bus and coach demand boosts Q3 registrations

The new bus and coach market grew 14.2% in the third quarter of 2016, with more than 2,300 new vehicles registered.

14/11/2016

UK heavy truck market declines in Q3 after five consecutive quarters of growth

The new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market declined -3.6% in the third quarter of 2016, according to figures released by SMMT.

06/06/2017

UK automotive aftermarket increases turnover to ÃÂ£21.6 billion as more high tech vehicles hit the road.
Growing demand for digital services as British motorists buy more car parts, accessories and services online than cosmetics or groceries, new research reveals.
Tyres, lubricants and filters still most commonly replaced parts, but demand for digital devices, including telematics and tyre pressure sensors growing fastest.
Latest performance figures highlight record ÃÂ£12.5 billion economic contribution as second Automechanika Birmingham aftermarket and supply chain trade show opens.

The UKÃ¢ÂÂs car servicing and repair sector grew again in 2016, with turnover rising 2.4% to ÃÂ£21.6 billion, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Growth was primarily driven by sustained record numbers of new car registrations,¹ and greater reliability, leading to more vehicles remaining on British roads for longer but still requiringÃÂ regular servicing and maintenance. The increasing level of advanced technology in modern vehicles was also a major influencing factor.

New research, commissioned by SMMT from independent consultancy Frost & Sullivan, shows that in 2016, UK motorists increased their annual spending on car maintenance by 1.7% to an average of ÃÂ£707. This was due, in part, to the replacement of more high tech components, which require new skills and equipment to fit. While tyres, lubricants and filters are still the most commonly replaced items, theÃÂ research shows that demand is rising fastest for telematics devices and tyre pressure monitoring sensors.²

The performance figures highlight the sectorÃ¢ÂÂs significant contribution to the UK economy. In 2016, the UK automotive aftermarket, which includes parts makers, distributors, retailers and workshops, grew its contribution to the economy by 2.5% to ÃÂ£12.5 billion and created 1,400 new jobs. The total number of livelihoods supported by the sector now stands at some 347,000 Ã¢ÂÂ more than the population of Coventry.³

The increasing digitalisation of cars and components presents challenges and opportunities to the sector as it strives to keep pace with advanced vehicle technology, data driven servicing and the changing needs of motorists. The research shows that British motorists are also leading the way in online car maintenance, with one of the fastest adoption rates in Europe. Last year, UK consumers bought a higher percentage of automotive parts, accessories and services online than they did cosmetics and groceries.1 Together they spent some ÃÂ£920 million on items such as tyres, brakes and batteries, and by 2022 this is forecast to rise by more than three quarters to ÃÂ£1.65 billion.

There is also consumer appetite for connected services such as vehicle health reports, fault detection and recall alerts, all of which make it easier to maintain cars. The research identifies growing interest in emerging forms of mobility such as car sharing schemes, forecast to attract some 2.3 million members worldwide by 2025, and e-hailing. Consumers are also increasingly turning to other digital services for their maintenance needs and online comparison websites, common in the insurance and finance sectors, are now entering the aftermarket. An estimated 100,000 people in the UK are currently using these sites to compare workshop offerings and prices, and this is set to grow significantly. This all makes clear the need for aftermarket companies to continue adapting their business models, and increasing their investment in mobile platforms to remain competitive.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

Ã¢ÂÂTodayÃ¢ÂÂs figures show just how vital the UK automotive aftermarket is to our economy and society, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and keeping vehicles safe Ã¢ÂÂ and the country moving. Our car maintenance sector is one of EuropeÃ¢ÂÂs most competitive, with vehicle owners enjoying more choice over where they have their cars serviced. The shift to digital vehicles and services will help drive this further, but the sector must continue to invest in the advanced skills, equipment and systems needed to stay abreast of evolving technology and changing mobility patterns.Ã¢ÂÂ

As the number and age of vehicles on UK roads increases, thanks to a strong new car market, ever-improving reliability and more complex servicing techniques, by 2022 the UK automotive aftermarket is projected to be worth some ÃÂ£28 billion, with an employee base of 400,000.

The news comes as the Automechanika Birmingham 2017 trade show opens its doors. Running from 6-8 June, the exhibition, which made its UK debut last year, will see tens of thousands of British and global investors and buyers visit more than 800 aftermarket and supply chain companies at the NEC.

1 2016 was the UK new car marketÃ¢ÂÂs fifth consecutive year of growth, with a record 2,692,786 new car registrations
2 Frost & Sullivan research shows telematics devices growing at 30-40% (CAGR) and tyre pressure monitoring systems growing at 20-30% (CAGR) 2015-2020
3 www.coventry.gov.uk (June 2017)

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