Daniel Lee-Bursnall

This week's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Transport News Brief lead comment, Plans for growth Today, SMMT has published the latest UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing figures for August – showing that year on year, production is down -10.0% with 6,044 units rolling out of UK factories. Context, however, is important. August is a low output month due to the traditional ‘summer shutdown’, meanwhile percentage changes are amplified – and the decline was equivalent to just 673 fewer units. Year to date, volumes are still 8.8% up on 2019’s pre-pandemic output. Exports continued to dominate output with more than half of output (59.3%) produced for overseas markets, with the EU receiving the lion’s share (97.2%). With vehicle production so important to the UK economy, it’s no surprise that the new government is committing to boosting the jewel in the crown of UK manufacturing base, the automotive industry – as outlined in Labour’s plan for the Automotive Sector, with key aspects like building an electric vehicle (EV) workforce and accelerating domestic battery manufacturing. They also recognise that while it’s important to focus on finished vehicle and battery production, there is a wealth of further opportunity for supply of other essential EV components such as powertrains, fuel cells and power electronics. Making sure the nation benefits from the technology the sector provides is also crucial. Last week, the government announced £88 million of funding for 46 projects aimed at boosting development and use of zero emission vehicle tech. Projects include deploying zero emission trucks delivering our post, and cleaner, greener bus journeys. In short, the funding will back projects that will lower emissions across the country, while also supporting skilled jobs. The Faraday Institution also published a report that predicts by 2030, the UK will need battery capacity of around 110 GWh per annum, the equivalent of six gigafactories. Recent gigafactory announcements in the UK by AESC and Tata Group have built excitement about the potential to create a new, dynamic and highly skilled battery industry in the UK. With huge investment needed for the other four gigafactories, we look forward to the government’s mission is to create a strong, stable and pro-business economy, with the UK remaining an attractive destination for investment for the automotive industry. Finally, the Government have also suggested six things to fix the NHS, one being mobile lung cancer screening trucks for testing people at supermarkets, sports centres and football grounds. Last year I visited the facility that builds these screening trailers in Leicestershire and saw firsthand the workmanship that goes into building these by hand from the skilled workforce. The UK can be proud of our commercial vehicle manufacturing from small electric vehicles, large trucks and medical trailers – and with a clear strategy, it will continue to thrive.

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Check out the latest guest blog from our Finance Director, Caroline McMillan-Browse, as she offers an accountant's perspective on the value of funding interventions 👇 https://okt.to/s9Y4pP The Engineer UK #FundingInnovation #Finance #automotive #electricvehicle

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Electric vehicles will be vital for the future of the North West's manufacturing sector - so we went to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) regional forum to hear from all the region's biggest automotive companies about what the future might hold

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RECHARGE UK report highlights challenges and opportunities around skills in the EV sector

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💡Connected & Automated Mobility: The UK economic & market opportunities report sets out the socio-economic benefits if CAM tech is adopted in a range of commercial applications, from self-driving cars & logistics vehicles to automated buses & shuttles smmt.co.uk/2023/11/connec…

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This week's SMMT Transport News Brief lead comment, More than one revolution is happening in the UK automotive sector Last week I was delighted to attend events on truck decarbonisation and diversity and inclusion which, while not sharing many commonalities besides both taking place on the top floors of skyscrapers, demonstrate just how quickly our industry is changing today, on multiple fronts. SMMT hosted its annual LGBTQ+ and Allies Workshop in Birmingham with more than 40 different members across industry, discussing a wide range of subjects – from setting up LGBTQ+ employee network groups to lesbian, trans and intersectional inclusion, as well as using the correct pronouns, supporting colleagues who experience prejudice or discrimination, and many more topics which are important to making the workplace more inclusive and successful for everyone. It was fantastic to have a number of speakers from the CV sector, including Kate Thompson from Volkswagen UK and Amy Carter from DAF Trucks, speaking about how the automotive industry has evolved and the contributions being made to that progress. Diverse and inclusive (D&I) workplaces are not just socially important but are proven to make businesses more productive, creative, attractive to new recruits and, therefore, more successful. D&I means everyone is able to bring their true selves to work and thrive, so this event was really important as SMMT seeks to help members to find ways to deliver best practice. We must show our industry is a place where anyone, with the right attitude, can succeed. Back in London, I was delighted to join senior industry leaders and stakeholders attending a logistics operator discussing the new delivery of its first ever heavy vehicle electric truck, which will be used to make deliveries of beds. The operator discussed how partnership is the new form of leadership, as we must all have the trust to collaborate and solve problems together as new solutions come thick and fast. With the operator having had the vehicle for a few weeks now, it is already receiving customer requests to have their deliveries as zero emission, and as they have a royal warrant, they could be delivering to Buckingham Palace at some point, no doubt to the pleasure of the King as a keen environmentalist. Importantly, the delivery cycle of the vehicle demonstrates how urban logistics electrification works in reality, with overnight electric depot charging available nearby. More widely, however, the UK is not in pole position in the rollout of heavy vehicle infrastructure, lagging behind other countries with similarly ambitious decarbonisation agendas. For hydrogen, the vehicle technology has arrived, but supplying the fuel is crucial. It was good to see some progress in that direction in yesterday’s Budget – the first to be delivered by a woman Chancellor since the role was created some 800 years ago – with government investing in 11 different green hydrogen projects around the UK.

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Drax Electric Vehicles ⚡ research tells us that greater transparency among the fleet community, education, and consultative advice are vital to helping fleets move to electric👇 Since records began in 2002, over one million #EVs have been registered in the UK. And fleet managers have been driving much of this growth💡 However, despite the surge in new EVs coming online, there’s still a long way to go before electric becomes the dominant powertrain… #DraxElectricVehicles #Fleet #EVs #FleetManagers #FEFleetSummit

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This week's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Transport News Brief lead comment, ZEV transition is a marathon, but we must pick up the pace SMMT’s latest registration figures for the new light commercial vehicle market shows almost 24,700 new vans, taxis, 4x4s and pickups joined UK roads in July – a dip in demand, but that’s unsurprising given it’s a comparison with July 2023, the month’s best performance in three years, and came in the middle of a record-equalling 17 consecutive months of market growth. Robust demand over the year so far has been supported by manufacturers launching new models, which include very attractive zero emission ones, with 28 now available to UK buyers – treble what was available this time last year. However, it’s concerning that electric uptake continues to decline, down -7.0% to represent 5.1% of the market. Some 10% of each marque’s sales must be zero emission across 2024. While the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme provides some flexibility, manufacturer investment in more cutting-edge, competitive EVs cannot single-handedly drive market transition at the pace required. The new government can accelerate the market shift through easy wins – for example, by bringing forward legislation planned by the previous government to amend driver derogations for electric vehicles weighing more than 4.25 tonnes, unleashing fleet investment and decarbonisation in LCVs and minibuses. Continuing the Plug-in Van Grant beyond its current end date in April 2025 is also a necessary feature of the LCV transition, alongside greater rollout of van-suitable public charging infrastructure – be it LCV-dedicated chargers or shared hubs. The technology is here – the challenge is to ensure accessible, affordable zero emission mobility for all.

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Understanding road tax impacts every vehicle owner in the UK, but do you know what it actually pays for? From essential road maintenance to keeping our transport infrastructure safe, road tax plays a vital role in our automotive ecosystem. 🚗💡 With the current economic climate, more drivers are turning to flexible leasing options to sidestep the substantial upfront costs of vehicle ownership. Did you know that over 30% of UK businesses now prefer leasing over buying? This trend highlights a significant shift towards more adaptable transportation solutions. How has flexible leasing changed your approach to vehicle management? Share your experiences below! At First Flexi Lease, we’re committed to providing tailored leasing options that fit your needs perfectly, with the flexibility you deserve. #CarRental #VanLeasing #FlexibleLeasing #UKAutomotive #FirstFlexiLease

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The UK's used car market is booming, with demand soaring despite economic headwinds. But what's fuelling this surge? From production delays to a newfound appreciation for pre-owned gems, our blog dives in: https://bit.ly/3xv87xO #CarMarket #UsedCars #SecondHandCars

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From April 2025, electric cars and other low-emission vehicles will have to start paying road tax after years of being exempt. Our founder and Editorial Director Stuart Masson talked with BBC News Breakfast TV to explain what the changes will mean for current and prospective EV owners. #ev #tax #carownership

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The central #English county of #Warwickshire has announced the procurement of 27 #electricbuses and charging infrastructure for them. #Publictransport operator #StagecoachMidlands has placed the actual order and will support the required electrical connection works and charging infrastructure installation. The English county of Warwickshire has decided to electrify its public transport system and will start with a fleet of 27 electric buses and the required charging infrastructure. The funds will be spent via the Zebra 2 scheme, for which the council recently decided to add £13.864 million to the Capital Programme. The Warwickshire Council further explains the collaborative funding pot: “The funding, which includes contributions from the Department for Transport (#DfT), Stagecoach Midlands, and Section 106 developer contributions will enable the introduction of 27 all-electric buses and associated charging infrastructure on key routes across Warwickshire.” Bus operator Stagecoach Midlands has placed orders for the upcoming 27 buses, which are expected to enter service around Spring 2025, “ahead of the March 2026 scheme completion deadline set by the Department for Transport.” It is not clear from the communication which buses will be used, however, Stagecoach has previously ordered buses from the #British company #ADL and the #Chinese firm #Yutong. ADL even recently presented an electric bus developed specifically for use in #London, however, Warwickshire County is more rural than London, so these may not be the best choice here. “Our aim is for the council to be #netzero in its own activities by 2030 and for the overall county to be net zero by 2050. Reducing the emissions of transport will be key to achieving that so this very significant investment is a major step towards achieving both of those ambitions,” said Cllr Jan Matecki, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning. Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director, Stagecoach Midlands added: “Stagecoach is pleased to be working in partnership with Warwickshire County Council and the DfT to help provide a cleaner environment for those living in Warwickshire and help meet both our own and the council’s aspirations for net zero.” The Zebra funds have been extensively used for the acquisition of emissions-free public transport vehicles and infrastructure all over the UK, including an order from #Reading, #Hull and #Leeds just in the last months.

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British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association - BVRLA has launched 🚀 its annual #RoadtoZero Report, which explores #decarbonisation progress across vehicle supply, demand and infrastructure. The 2024 report, launched at the BVRLA's Fleets in Charge Conference, shows how certain market-wide challenges are impacting the transition. Six months into the implementation of the #ZeroEmission Vehicle (#ZEV) Mandate, the early effects of its introduction are beginning to play out. Read more from GREENFLEET here: https://ow.ly/ubtT50SREpX

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📊 Did you know that already 57% of councils in the UK have 20mph as their default speed limit? 🚗 🚌 And that 59% of councils have started to transition to low emission buses? 🌍 The #CouncilClimateScorecards show that change is possible and happening at the local level! 💪 🔍 Explore the #Transport section and find out the results for your local area at: https://buff.ly/45DMVmy

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The hardest part of a successful digital transformation is knowing where to start. 🏎️ On 26 September, our Automotive Sector Lead Tim Powell will be speaking on the digital panel discussion at the North East Automotive Alliance Expo 2024, delving into how the digital transformation process can be simplified to empower businesses. We will also be at exhibition stand A12. Do come and visit us! #automotive #NEAAExpo #DigitalTransformation #digital #digitalisation #digitisation

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🚍 £3 #Bus Fare – and What Next? With #Budget2024 on the horizon, Greg Marsden explores why a 50% rise of the £2 cap is about more than just fares: it’s about the 3.7 billion people relying on sustainable and accessible public #transport. If we want buses to tackle climate change and support those who can’t, won’t, or shouldn’t drive, we need a long-term commitment beyond just the price tag. 👉 Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/dU2U4d4R

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Zapmap reports over 1 million EV drivers are now on the UK roads. Are you looking to join the EV revolution but curious about the real cost of going electric? We've crunched the numbers, so you don't have to. Our latest blog looks at: ✅ Charging costs ✅ Maintenance expenses ✅ Tax benefits ✅ Long-term savings Discover how much it will cost you to switch to EV: https://lnkd.in/d3DYAgA7 #EV #ElectricVehicle #EVLeasing #EVCosts

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Kym at the Buckinghamshire Business First workshop, Presenting 'Top Tips – Grant preparation and application techniques' with Emma Fadlon, Investment Projects Lead and Programme Director CyberASAP, Innovate UK. One top tip: get advice on how to present your business case - not all innovators are experts on how to prepare a cash flow forecast!

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The number of new EVs on the road in the UK is growing, but are there enough charging hubs to meet demand? ⚡️ Find out in our latest blog on the Electric Vehicle market outlook along with news of new EVs in the https://lnkd.in/dw3Dfqsr --- Image description: the image shows someone charging at a Mer charger, overlaid is the SMMT statistic, '39.1% of all new vehicle registrations in the UK are for electric vehicles.'

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