REGIONAL REPORT
A manufacturing strategy in the UK is needed to pinpoint where and how investment is needed , as well as putting skill levels back into the industry . The UK Government also needs to set a proper overall strategy for the UK automotive sector to create more jobs and encourage growth . This includes attracting overseas investment to the UK .
SMMT ’ s electrified vehicle display at SMMT Electrified 2022 in London : MINI Electric ; Bentley Bentayga ; Switch Mobility Metrocity ; LEVC VN5 and Nissan Leaf .
An eye on automotive
The automotive market is the UK ’ s largest exporter of goods and generates global trade worth £ 100 billion per year . The UK is one of Europe ’ s biggest car markets , registering some 2.04 million new vehicles in 2021 . Britain is home to a large and diverse specialist car manufacturing sector , producing some of the most globally iconic brands .
“ Around 30 manufacturers build some 70 vehicle models in the UK , aided by 2,500 parts makers and some of the world ’ s most skilled engineers . The UK built more than 859,575 cars , 72,913 commercial vehicles and 1.6 million engines in 2021 . UK carmakers trade globally , with 55 % of exports going to EU . A further 16.8 % go to the U . S ., 8.1 % to China , 2.4 % to Japan and 1.5 % to Canada ,” commented The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders ( SMMT ) in the UK .
Investment is driving demand for electric vehicles ( EVs ), with more than 143 battery and plug-in hybrid electric cars on sale in 2022 .
“ The UK-EU TCA provided the basis for tariff-free trade and unlocked some pent-up investment . However , the rules of origin for batteries pose a significant challenge to manufacturers on both sides of the Channel , with the prospect of tariffs and price increases which discourage consumers from buying the very vehicles needed to achieve climate change goals ,” commented Mike Hawes , SMMT Chief Executive .
“ At a time when every country is accelerating their transition to zero emission transport , and global competitors are offering billions to attract investment in their industries , a pragmatic solution must be found quickly . We urgently need an industrial strategy that creates attractive investment conditions and positions the UK as one of the best places in the world for advanced automotive manufacturing ,” he added .
Public charge-point rollout continues to lag behind EV uptake , with
Mike Hawes , CEO , SMMT .
The UK is home to a large and diverse specialist car manufacturing sector , producing some of the most globally iconic brands
one standard public charger for every 36 plug-in cars on the road , down from 31 in 2021 . The need for investment is even more intense for other road transport sectors , however , as these existing charge-points may not be suitably located or sized to serve van operators , and there are no dedicated HGV charging points on the UK ’ s strategic road network at all .
The deployment of infrastructure appropriate for commercial vehicles would energise uptake of the latest electric vehicles , accelerate fleet renewal to take older units off the road and help reduce the UK ’ s carbon footprint .
“ The UK must act on the significant progress made by the domestic automotive sector and supply chain — and its inherent advantages . To date , more than £ 11 billion has been invested by manufacturers in EV production locally , leading to fully electric or hybrid vehicles comprising almost a third of all UK-built cars last year , with an export value of £ 10 billion . By 2025 , the sector is anticipated to produce more than 20 models of electric cars , vans , buses and trucks , contributing to the economy and jobs in all regions of the country ,” explained the SMMT . n
Manufacturing events in June
The UK will be holding several manufacturing events in June , including Subcon ( Birmingham , UK ) from 7-8 June 2023 . Manufacturing & Engineering Week will be a “ festival of British manufacturing and engineering innovation .” Four exhibitions will also be held in Birmingham over 7-8 June 2023 : Design & Engineering Expo , Drives & Controls , Smart Factory Expo and Maintec .
2022 Figures from SMMT .
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