European business development manager Stuart Lowe takes a look at some of the key stats and facts from the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ reports.
As SMMT members we really value all the insight that is provided as well as the incredible campaigning that the organisation does to promote and defend the sector, helping it to thrive.
For me, these are the standout numbers and thoughts from their latest data:
With more than 182,000 people employed in manufacturing and some 780,000 in total across the wider automotive industry, the sector accounts for 10% of total UK exports with more than 150 countries importing UK produced vehicles, generating £77 billion of trade.
More than 30 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by 2,500 component providers.
Over 859,000 cars, 72,913 commercial vehicles and 1.6 million engines were built in the UK in 2021.
Eight out of 10 cars produced in the UK in 2021 were exported overseas and over half of these (55%) went to the European Union.
The year ahead
We know that the biggest challenge for the industry this year will be decarbonisation. A Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate for cars and vans needs flexibility to work for the industry, the consumer and the environment. HGVs face a 2040 cut-off for non-ZEVs and this too must be workable – affordable, practical and addressing the issues of infrastructure. We need battery production but we need other sectors to step up too.
It’s good to see the SMMT approach this year with cautious optimism that gradual growth will emerge. Having been slow out of the post-Covid blocks, there is a chance the sector could outperform an economy in recession. But the UK industry’s long-term future must be built on the strong foundations of competitiveness, productivity, a skilled and flexible workforce and technological investment.
Here at Ginho Europe, with a global support team that includes over 150 engineers, we are investing heavily into research and development, collaborating with customers to create solutions that add value and offer the most effective use of funds and resources, throughout a project’s lifecycle. Bring on 2023!
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