Latest news for Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders SMMT 
Plug-In Car Grant will go ahead from January 2011(06/08/2010)
Transport secretary, Philip Hammond, has confirmed that the ‘Plug-In Car Grant’, designed to stimulate demand for low carbon vehicles, will go ahead from January 2011. Speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) offices, Mr Hammond confirmed that from next year, motorists will be entitled to a ‘Plug-In Car Grant’ of up to £5,000 when buying an electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell car, providing it meets safet... [more]
Trends for buses are downward except for minibuses(29/06/2010)
Big buses registrations have fallen 31% May 2010 versus last year with a sharp fall for double decks. Big coaches registrations are down 31% at May 2010 on a year earlier. However, there was a 7.2% rise in 3.5t to 8.5t buses at May and 18.4 per cent year to date. “Trends for buses are generally downward, except for minibuses,” said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the SMMT. “Coaches, though down in May are rising on the ... [more]
Scrappage scheme continued to boost car market(15/02/2010)
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy with £51 billion turnover and £10 billion value added. With over 800,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for 10% of total UK exports and invests £1 billion each year in R&D. In the last ten years, huge strides have been made to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout the life cycle. Improvements in production processes mean energy used to produce cars is dow... [more]
SMMT Electric Vehicle Group promotes collaborative approach to the development of ultra-low carbon technologies(26/06/2009)
A cross-section of the motor industry representing volume manufacturers, niche vehicle producers and component suppliers has met for the first time to form the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) new Electric Vehicle Group. Seeking to interact with government, stakeholders and industry both in the UK and internationally, the Electric Vehicle Group will promote a collaborative industry-wide approach to the development of ultra-lo... [more]
Scrappage scheme paid by fuel duty bombshell(23/04/2009)
The AA has welcomed the Chancellor’s plans for a vehicle scrappage scheme whereby the consumer will receive a benefit of £2,000 (£1000 government grant and £1000 from vehicle manufacturers) if they cash in vehicles registered before 31 July 1999, but attacked the unexpected plans to hike fuel duty by 2p per litre in September as a “body blow” and “fuel duty bombshell”. In effect, motorists will be paying for the scrappage scheme at the pumps. ... [more]
2010 British International Motor Show cancelled(23/03/2009)
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has taken the difficult decision to cancel the 2010 British International Motor Show. SMMT, with the support of the UK motor industry, remains committed to showcasing the achievements and products of the automotive sector. However, the economic downturn and the unprecedented challenges facing the industry both in the UK and around the world, have made it impossible for exhibitors to commit to ... [more]
Car sales drop while vans and trucks registrations are up(13/03/2008)
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 69,610 new cars were sold during February, 5.4 per cent down on 2007. "February’s car sales drop was not unexpected, but with consumer confidence still fragile, the Bank of England would have been better advised to cut the interest rate rather than hold at the current level" said Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commenting on c... [more]
Silver and black are most popular colours for cars(23/10/2007)
Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicate that research conducted at the end of last year, which predicted that black would replace silver as the most popular car colour, is beginning to come true. The research, which was undertaken among 4,000 UK motorists by insurance provider yesinsurance.co.uk , reveals that 30% of those surveyed said that they would choose black as their preferred colour if they we... [more]
Other car news
Car sales surge as buyers skip carbon tax
Pre-emptive buying to avoid the carbon dioxide emissions tax on new cars, which came into effect on Wednesday, and sales to the car rental industry drove new car sales last month to their highest level since January 2008.
Strong car sales despite economy woes
New data shows there was a softening in car sales with a decline in sales of luxury vehicles in August.
Car sales surge in Asia, fall in Europe
Car sales surge in Asia, fall in Europe
AutoNation sales outperform industry, sales rise
AutoNation sales outperform industry, sales rise
AutoNation sales outperform industry, shares rise
AutoNation sales outperform industry, shares rise
German car exports up 12 percent in August
German car exports kept growing in August as a healthier global economy fueled sales abroad, helping push up production, an industry group said Thursday.
Car Sales Rise in Asia, Decline in Europe
Asian auto sales soared in August, boosted by government incentives although U.S. economic uncertainty and slowing growth in China look set to curb demand, while in Europe car sales fell as scrapping bonuses ran out.
US car sales plummet in August
The US car industry recorded one of its worst months as GMs, Ford and Toyota reported a big drop in US sales in August.
Shaky Economy Drives Down Hybrid Car Sales
Sales of Toyota Prius and other hybrid models fell in August.
AutoNation August sales fall 17 pct from 2009
Car dealer AutoNation Inc. said Wednesday its new vehicle sales fell 17 percent in August compared with the previous year when the industry benefited from the federal Cash for Clunkers rebate program.
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