SMMT comment on EU-UK trading agreement

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive commented:

“We welcome today’s agreement of a new EU-UK trading agreement, which provides a platform for our future relationship. We await the details to ensure this deal works for all automotive goods and technologies, including specifics on rules of origin and future regulatory co-operation. A phase-in period is critical to help businesses on both sides adapt and efforts should now be sustained to ensure seamless implementation, with tariff-free trade fully accessible and effective for all from day one. We will continue to work closely with government to ensure all companies are as prepared as possible in the limited time left.”

BVRLA response to EU trade deal

The BVRLA has welcomed the announcement of a Brexit trade deal, which will provide much-needed certainty for the UK automotive sector. Commenting on the announcement, BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney said:

“This Brexit trade deal comes as a big relief and will provide a welcome boost for the UK automotive sector, which can now plan for 2021 and beyond with more confidence and certainty. Avoiding tariffs on vehicles and parts is essential, but with the end of the transition period only days away, there is a lot to be done to prepare for January and beyond as details around the new trading terms become clear.”

Free trade deal bodes well for business confidence

Commenting on the post-Brexit free trade deal agreed with the EU, Stephen Haddrill, Director General of the FLA said:

“As always in trade talks, the devil is in the detail but we appear to have a deal that will enable UK goods to be sold without tariffs or quotas in the EU market – that bodes well for business confidence, leading to renewed investment and lending as we enter 2021 and begin the long economic recovery from the Covid impact.”

UK car manufacturing declines -1.4% in November

According to the latest figures issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, UK car production saw a decline of -1.4% in November to 106,243 units.

1,501 fewer cars were made last month than in November last year, caused by weak domestic orders, as well as a second national lockdown in England and the subsequent economic and political turbulence. Export volumes were flat, up just 0.3%, a rise of only 310 units, boosted slightly by shipments to key markets in the EU, Asia and the US.

British engine production falls -8.2% in November

189,883 UK engines were built in November as output declined by -8.2%. Production for domestic and overseas markets fell -7.8% and -8.4% respectively with engine output declining in every month of 2020, with year-to-date output down -28.2% overall.

UK commercial vehicle manufacturing down -1.9% in November

November saw a decrease of -1.9% in the manufacturing of UK commercial vehicles according to latest figures form the SMMT, with 8,605 units coming off production lines. Despite output for the domestic market rising 10.1%, this was not enough to offset an -8.8% decline in exports, which was equivalent to a loss of 490 units, as stricter coronavirus restrictions shut entire parts of key economies.

Jeep find best place to own a plug-in car in the UK

To coincide with the launch of the new Jeep Renegade 4xe plug-in hybrid, Jeep commissioned a survey to find the place in the UK that has the most chargers per registered plug-in vehicles.

The research discovered that Coventry is the best place in Britain for plug-in car owners to charge their vehicles, with one charger per 2.3 plug-in cars. This, however, is not quite as good as the Outer Hebrides, with the Na h-Eileanan Siar local authority having one charger for every 2.13 cars.

Latest government data shows that the average is one charging device for every 15 plug-in cars registered in the UK.

Other good performing areas were Fermanagh and Omagh, in Northern Ireland with 2.5 plug-in cars per charger and Wandsworth in London with 2.6 plug-in cars per charger and the Isle of Anglesey with 2.8 plug-in cars per charger available.