Graham Evans

The Challenge of Electrification: The Hard Work Begins Now The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) recently reported that the UK's light commercial vehicle (LCV) market saw its best first half since 2021, with registrations up 4.5%. However, a decline in battery electric van (BEV) demand, down 16.8% in June, signals that the initial phase of electrification is complete, and the industry now faces the tougher challenge of transitioning larger and heavier vehicles to electric power. The initial electrification efforts have focused on passenger cars and lighter commercial vehicles, which are relatively easier to transition due to their shorter range requirements and lighter weight. A significant counterargument to the current electrification approach is that developing more powerful batteries will take time and doesn't address the issue of increased vehicle weight, which reduces payload capacity. This is where hydrogen solutions could play a pivotal role. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising alternative for heavy-duty vehicles due to their higher energy density and faster refuelling times compared to batteries. Additionally, hydrogen internal combustion engines could provide another pathway to reduce emissions while leveraging existing combustion engine technology. Recent data from Forecourt Trader highlights the low interest in electric vans among buyers, indicating that current BEV options do not meet the practical needs of many commercial users, especially in terms of range and payload capacity. This underscores the importance of exploring alternative technologies like hydrogen to meet the diverse needs of the commercial vehicle market. Many in the commercial vehicle industry are lobbying for hydrogen solutions, both internal combustion and fuel cell, and manufacturers have responded by developing and producing these vehicles. The slowdown in electrification, particularly in the commercial vehicle sector, puts the government's net zero targets at significant risk. Without accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, the UK will struggle to meet its ambitious climate goals. The new government must therefore support diverse technological solutions, including both advanced battery technologies and hydrogen, to ensure a comprehensive and effective transition to sustainable transportation. Compounding these challenges, the new government has little fiscal room for manoeuvre. The previous government's strategy of smart regulation, which involved setting targets and fining manufacturers who failed to meet them, is proving ineffective in the face of consumer resistance. This highlights the need for innovative policies and support mechanisms to drive the market forward. As the industry moves into this more challenging phase, it will require collaboration between manufacturers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to overcome these hurdles and continue progress toward net zero emissions.

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Stellantis has just announced its Vauxhall plant in Luton will be shutting down, in a big blow to the local economy and the state of manufacturing in the UK. The reason? the weight of government quotas for EVs in combination with slowing demand. For many manufacturers, this confirms their concerns over the unfeasibility of the ZEV mandate. At Manufacturing Digital, we find ourselves agreeing with calls for a more flexible alternative. What do you think? https://lnkd.in/egMADZwF #Manufacturing #EVs

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SMMT tells next government to back #automotive and reap £50bn growth The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (#SMMT) has unveiled an ambitious plan to collaborate with the next government to boost the UK #automotiveindustry's growth by £50bn over the next decade. This initiative, titled Vision 2035: Ready to Grow, was presented at the 16th SMMT International Automotive Summit. It outlines strategies for driving #economicgrowth, accelerating the transition to #zeroemissionvehicles (ZEVs), and enhancing the UK's #automotivemanufacturing capabilities. Key Points of Vision 2035: #MarketGrowth: The value of the new car market is projected to grow from £70bn annually to almost £80bn over the next decade. More than 17 million fossil fuel cars will be replaced by ZEVs by 2035. Annually, over a million #electricvehicles (EVs) will be produced, increasing the sector’s value by 5%. Economic and #Environmental Impact: Halving VAT on new EV purchases for three years could add 300,000 new zero emission car registrations, leading to a total of 2.3 million new ZEVs on the road during that period. This move would also significantly #reducecaremissions by 175 MtCO2 by 2035. #Competitiveness and #Production: Enhancing the UK’s global competitiveness in light vehicle production could result in over nine million ZEVs produced by 2035, generating more than £290bn in revenue. Policy Recommendations: Targeted policies and cross-party support to strengthen the #automotivemarket, enhance trade, upskill the workforce, and provide low-cost, low-carbon electricity. An industrial transformation strategy to ensure a fair transition to a net zero future, with the #automotivesector leading green #economicgrowth. Economic Contributions: The #UKautomotivesector is a significant contributor to the economy, directly employing almost 200,000 people and supporting over 800,000 jobs nationwide. The sector is pivotal in keeping the rest of the economy moving and is the UK’s most valuable goods exporter. Conclusion: By implementing these strategies, the UK automotive sector aims to play a crucial role in the country's net zero transition, driving substantial economic, social, and environmental #benefits. If you're looking to recruit / looking for a new role in the #manufacturing, #engineering or #supplychain industries, get in touch today! Call: 0151 480 2300 Email: [email protected] #follow Morgan Ryder on #linkedin Visit our website: morganryder.com Celebrating 20 years of world class #manufacturing Credit: https://lnkd.in/gtBkNnd7

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September saw plugin EVs take 29.4% share of the #UK auto market, up from 23.4% year on year. Both BEVs and PHEVs grew volume YoY, by 24% and 32% respectively. Overall auto volume was 275,239 units, up 1% YoY, but still far below pre-2020 seasonal norms (350,000+). #Tesla was the leading BEV brand in September. September’s sales tally saw combined plugin EVs take 29.4% share of the UK auto market, with full electrics (BEVs) taking 20.5%, and plugin hybrids (PHEVs) taking 8.9%. These compare with YoY shares of 23.4% combined, 16.6% #BEV and 6.8% #PHEV. Against broader auto volumes which were barely flat YoY, both BEVs and PHEVs grew volume at a healthy clip. BEVs grew 24.4% to a new record high of 56,387 units, whilst PHEVs grew 32.1% to 24,468 units. Meanwhile, HEVs were essentially flat YoY, diesels saw a 7% volume decline, and petrol-only vehicles lost substantial volume of 9.3%, dropping share from 55.7% to 50.1% YoY. Best Selling BEV Brands Tesla was yet again the best selling BEV brand in September, with the Model Y leading with 5,799 units, enough to put it in joint 4th place in the overall auto market. Year to date, the Model Y is the 9th best selling automobile overall (and by far the best selling BEV), with 23,485 units registered. #Volkswagen took a surprise 2nd place in the September BEV rankings, a much stronger performance than typical (the brand is only in the 6th spot year to date). #BMW, conversely, slipped back to the 12th spot, despite being 2nd in the year-to-date rankings. In both cases, these volume swings are likely more to do with irregular shipments of right–hand-drive units arriving in the UK than fundamental changes in demand. #Mercedes took the third spot in September, unchanged from its position in August. We don’t have enough resolution in UK BEV model sales data to definitively identify every newly launching model, but can identify a few. The most significant debuts in volume terms are the new #Polestar 3 and Polestar 4, which registered 93 units and 744 units in September, respectively. Polestar looks like it may have a big hit on its hands with the 4. These are remarkable launch volumes for a vehicle which starts from £59,995. Let’s see what the sustainable volume is going forwards. The new #Porsche Macan sold its first ~113 units into the UK in September, and will surely grow from here, with the UK market having outsized weighting for the Porsche brand (the Taycan sold 288 UK units in September). The #MG Cyberster Roadster made its first UK customer deliveries in September, with a healthy 70 units registered — very strong for a vehicle like this, in not-the-most-practical segment. The new MG is the only open-top BEV two-seat sports car on the market. 

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The June 2024 issue of Automotive Testing Technology International has landed! There's plenty to get your teeth stuck into, including the following: 📌 A case study on JLR's Future Energy Lab. 📌 An exploration of #battery leak testing requirements and standardization. With INFICON, Blue Solutions and Fellten. 📌 The latest in #artificialintelligence technology and how it is being applied in #vehicletesting. With Addfor S.p.A., Siemens Digital Industries Software and Neural Concept. 📌 How the field of #aerodynamics is evolving in #automotive. With Jacobs, Catesby Projects, AirShaper, S. Bleyer GmbH, Sauber Technologies AG, Evolution Measurement Ltd and ESI Group. 📌 A deep-dive into #dynamometer technology and how electrification is influencing specifications. With AVL, Unico-Test Stands Solutions, DEKRA Automotive Ltd and Rototest. 📌 Interviews with Karma Automotive and HVS (Hydrogen Vehicle Systems). 📌 Plus a comprehensive preview to this year's Automotive Testing Expo Europe, which takes place next week! #AutoTestMag #AutoTestMag #automotiveengineering #automotivedevelopment #automotiveindustry #automotivenews #industry #mobility #transportation #electricvehicles #softwaretesting #JLR You can find the latest issue (available for free), here: https://lnkd.in/ekA7mN5j

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Great piece from City AM' Guy Taylor Experts say the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)’s private sales data, which is the most widely used metric in the UK automotive industry industry, is “flawed” and “inaccurate.” They argue consumers are increasingly buying EVs using salary sacrifice schemes, which allow employees to deduct a monthly sum from their pay to lease EVs at far lower cost. “How individuals purchase EVs is often overlooked, due to the way data is represented, especially in the figures from the SMMT,” Fiona Howarth, chief executive of Octopus Electric Vehicles, told City A.M. “Let’s be clear, salary sacrifice cars are on the driveways of typical drivers – they’re used for the school run, weekly shop and family trips, so why should they be counted as fleet cars?” she said. Quentin Willson, the motoring journalist and founder of the campaign group FairCharge, said: “We need to capture accurate end user data to get a clearer picture of the split between private and fleet. The anti-EV narrative claiming that private buyer interest in EVs has waned is being supported by inaccurate data.” Mike Hawes Sam Salehi Amy Rennison Ben Nelmes New AutoMotive Octopus Energy BOLD Voodoo Dr. Andy Palmer CMG Ian Johnston ChargeUK Vicky Read Osprey Charging Network Read here: https://lnkd.in/eiKKmQ7W

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'Fleets remain EV torch bearers as consumer demand slumps.' Following the ACEA's latest vehicle registration figures, Jon Lawes, Managing Director at MHC Mobility emphasises what governments must focus on to ensure Europe's transition stays on track 👉 https://ow.ly/PGG150Rk0Um #ElectricVehicles #Decarbonisation #VehicleRegistrations

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The Labour Party is expanding on its automotive pledges in the run-up to the UK's general election; planning closer trade links to the EU and a huge funding boost ⚡️ Shadow Chancellor Rt Hon Rachel Reeves explained that the party intends to invest £7.3 billion into the national wealth fund, with £1.5 billion specifically allocated to the automotive sector's energy transition 🔋 With a Labour win looking likely, do you think the next government will provide adequate support for the UK's emobility transition? Find out more down below 👇 #ElectricDrives | #ElectricVehicles | #EV | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #UK | #LabourParty | #GeneralElection | #Labour | #AutomotiveIndustry Hannah Dawson Shaun Payne Chris Lee Oliver Rogers MCIPR Joseph Ridding

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The UK automotive industry is already complaining about the penalties for not selling enough EVs to reluctant consumers, but I wonder whether the forthcoming HGV mandate will risk further damaging the UK Automotive Industry. The forthcoming mandate for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to transition to zero-emission technologies presents significant challenges and risks for the UK automotive industry, echoing the issues currently faced by the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Stellantis has already raised concerns about the impact of the UK's regulatory approach on its EV production plans. Without adequate government support and incentives, Stellantis has warned that it may halt EV production in the UK, which could lead to job losses and reduced consumer choices. This situation is compounded by post-Brexit trade rules, which require a high percentage of EV components to originate from the UK or EU, making UK-based production uncompetitive. The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires 70% of Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) to be zero-emission by 2030, and all new cars and vans to be zero-emission by 2035, is ambitious. Currently, only 6% of new LGVs sold are zero-emission, highlighting the scale of the challenge. The same ambitious targets are set for HGVs, with a ban on new diesel HGVs by 2040. However, as of now, only 5% of new HGVs sold are zero-emission, predominantly battery-electric. The automotive industry, including major players like Ford and Stellantis, supports the government's zero-emission goals but stresses the need for more robust infrastructure and regulatory clarity. The transition for HGVs is particularly complex due to the varied use cases and the lack of a dominant zero-emission technology. The government's recent initiatives, such as the £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund and the development of new charging infrastructure, are steps in the right direction. However, industry leaders argue that without substantial incentives and support, the mandated targets may lead to significant disruptions. A balanced approach that combines regulation with strong incentives is crucial to ensuring the industry's sustainability and growth. The UK government must provide the necessary support to keep the automotive and HGV sectors competitive and thriving in the face of global competition and the shift towards electrification. https://lnkd.in/eNPhwPh7 #AutomotiveIndustry #ZeroEmissionVehicles #HGVs #UKGovernment #Stellantis #EVMandate #SustainableGrowth

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Major automakers like Volkswagen and Stellantis risk £165M fines for not meeting the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This new legislation requires 22% of their sales to be zero-emission vehicles by year's end. Despite the push towards electric vehicles, many brands face significant shortfalls. This mandate is crucial for advancing the UK's clean energy goals and boosting the EV market, but it presents substantial challenges for traditional automakers. https://lnkd.in/gHTyh6b6 #EVNews #EV #Volkswagen #Stellantis #EV #ElectricVehicles #ZeroEmission #ZEV #UK #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #AutomotiveIndustry #GreenTech #ClimateAction #EVMarket #ElectricCars #BatteryElectric #RenewableEnergy #Ford #Nissan #Honda #Mazda

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https://lnkd.in/eVmwC4Ss Some good news about EV's. This really comprehensive report by Ayvens consultants puts the UK as 10th for EV adoption out of 47 countries. And the UK EV market is ranked as mature - only just, but it's there. After all the bad things the politicians were saying during the recent election about technology in this country that's got to be a plus. Also it rates the Total Cost of Ownership for an EV as now on a par with an ICE vehicle. Well worth a read to get a wider perspective of EV fleets around the world, including our own. #electricvehicles #fleetmanagement #decarbonisation

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British commercial vehicle production output growth continues with the best Q1 figures since 2008. Figures also show British car production did fall in March, as manufacturers gear up to make new models, but rounded off Q1 with overall volumes still up 1.1%: https://lnkd.in/e95-H6FB #UKmfg #Manufacturing #Production #Automotive #CommercialVehicles

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Some international vehicle manufacturers have suggested that the UK ZEV mandate is currently unworkable due to a lack of consumer demand for EVs, and risk job losses in the UK automotive sector.   Many dispute this connection, but the last thing the EV sector needs is job losses among automotive manufacturers. Watering-down the ZEV mandate, however, would pose the same risk to jobs in the UK HQ'ed EV infrastructure sector.   💡We shouldn’t have to choose.   The UK has made great progress in decarbonising the grid, in attracting major investment in EV charging infrastructure, in steadily increasing the proportion of EVs on sale and on our roads. 🍃 Vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure providers, government – we are all part of this growing success story.   It’s not time for a U-turn. There may be adjustments needed in the details, but let’s not lose the stable framework that has driven so much commercial activity and will provide a foundation for the next phase of the UK’s green economy renaissance. #ZestEV #EVCharging #EVChargingInfrastructure 

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This week's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Transport News Brief lead comment, Data shows robust UK commercial vehicle output at half year point New data on commercial vehicle production in the first six months of 2024 show some normalisation following UK manufacturers’ rapid post-pandemic recovery last year, with more than 11,500 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches leaving Britain’s factories since January. With volumes just -2.9% below a really strong performance during the same period in 2023, the sector is in good health. Indeed, 2024 to date is a third above the sector’s pre-pandemic five-year output average. This positive position has been forged thanks to long-term OEM investment in and global demand for the high quality products being made here. More than two thirds of all UK-built products have been exported so far this year and, given plants are set to ramp up zero emission vehicle output in 2025 amid rising demand in our major markets, our industry is futureproofing for greener growth. The latest independent industry outlook brings cause for us to be optimistic, with light CV production expected to grow to 110,000 units this year and then above 130,000 in 2030 given the right economic and trading conditions. Positively, just as manufacturers are investing in decarbonisation, new political leaders are providing bus operators in particular with encouragement to place orders. Hot on the heels of the UK’s proposed Better Buses Bill, Scottish First Minister John Swinney announced government backing for an innovative bus and coach consortium, along with nationwide charging network – not just for buses and coaches but heavy goods vehicles too. The investment comes under the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund but underlines the potential for shared infrastructure solutions involving all heavy vehicles, given their power and size requirements are not too dissimilar. As SMMT’s two recent papers on bus and truck decarbonisation show, growing green uptake requires joined-up, long-term plans for a national electric charging and hydrogen fuelling network, supporting all heavy vehicles at en-route locations, depots and shared hubs. When political support is suitably ambitious, the commercial vehicle industry is ready to deliver. Bus decarbonisation paper: https://lnkd.in/g9-Ydcbx HGV Decarbonisation paper: https://lnkd.in/eYQbKwyX

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🚗 Automotive suppliers view net zero as short-term threat for long-term gain, survey finds More than two thirds of UK automotive component makers (68%) see the transition to net zero as a short-term threat, but almost all (93%) recognise that meeting the challenge of decarbonisation will be vital for their long-term business prospects. The findings come from a BDO poll of C-suite executives at 100 UK automotive component manufacturing companies with turnovers of more than £10m. Faced with the dual challenge of supporting the global transition to low-carbon modes of transport while also having to meet their own net zero targets, component manufacturers do appear to be taking their responsibilities seriously. https://lnkd.in/enTmCcRC

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To my mind, it's clear that there is more consumer friction in the early to mid-mainstream EV audience than key players imagined, and I would like to see a concerted, positive marketing communications campaign to highlight how EVs are just better. To note, not a campaign to sell individual EVs, but to sell emobility. This year, the sector has been in response mode, not in proactive positivity mode: responding to the negative narratives of the mainstream media, rather than on the front foot, defining the terrain of EVs being better. EVs are exactly that: better vehicles. They are clearly better for clean air and climate, and they are better on cost across lifetime ownership. They are a better driving experience. So, we need to build out what I call the 'ideas infrastructure' for emobility, to work on that tricky territory of hearts and minds. The cars are there. The charging is increasingly there. The consumers are not there. At the moment, there is no concerted campaign, supported by government, industry bodies and OEMs to project a positive narrative. This will be my focus for 2025. If you'd like to join me in that project, do let me know. A rising tide floats all boats. #evs #bettervehicles #sustainability

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Government policies play a crucial role in shaping the future of the UK automotive industry. 🚗 From regulations on emissions to incentives for electric vehicles, these policies can make or break the sector. For example, the UK government's push towards zero-emission vehicles by 2030 has spurred significant investment in electric vehicle (EV) technology. This shift not only impacts manufacturers but also the entire supply chain, from battery producers to charging infrastructure providers. However, it's not all smooth sailing. 📉 Policies can also introduce challenges. Brexit, for instance, has led to new trade barriers and increased costs for automotive companies operating in the UK. These changes require businesses to adapt quickly, often at significant expense. Yet, with the right strategies and support, the industry can navigate these complexities and continue to thrive. What are your thoughts on the impact of government policies on our industry? Share your insights in the comments below or visit www.cb-recruitment.co.uk for more information. #Automotive #UKIndustry #GovernmentPolicy

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The UK automotive industry is experiencing a significant downturn in production as manufacturers retool their facilities for electric vehicle (EV) production, with car output dropping 7.6% in the first half of 2024. #UKAutoIndustry #EVTransition #CarManufacturing #AutomotiveFuture #GreenMobility #UKEconomy https://lnkd.in/gxSe_paV

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Purchase intent for electric vehicles in the UK continues to rise, according to new research from EY 👉 https://lnkd.in/eMnN_h44 The results highlight important insights for dealers, OEMs, and CPOs alike ⚡ #ElectricDrives | #ElectricVehicles | #EV | #Emobility | #Sustainability | #AutomotiveIndustry | #CarSales | #ElectricCars Maria Bengtsson David Borland

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