Statements

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Slashing the grants for electric vehicles once again is a blow to customers looking to make the switch and couldn’t come at a worse time

SMMT statement on requirement for new homes to have an electric vehicle charging point 22nd November 2021 Monday 22 November, 2021 Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,  “Plug-in vehicle sales are surging but charging infrastructure has to keep pace. Today’s announcement that new build and “major renovation” properties will have to provide charging points is welcome, as is the commitment to make them easy to use in terms of payment options. However, the gap remains those that do not have parking. […]

SMMT reaction to the Budget 27th October 2021 Wednesday 27 October, 2021 Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,  “The effects of the pandemic continue to hurt businesses across the sector – supply chain disruption, skills shortages and punitive energy costs. The Budget included some significant steps, most notably in adjusting business rates to allow relief on renewable energy and the extension of the super-deduction. Together with the Global Britain Investment Fund which provides £817m to support the transition of automotive manufacturing […]

“The announcement today of new investment into electric vehicle production in Ellesmere Port is further good news for the automotive sector”

“Today’s announcement of new investment into battery production in Sunderland is great news for the sector”

SMMT statement on House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report into the transition to zero emission vehicles 19th May 2021 SMMT statement on House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report into the transition to zero emission vehicles Wednesday 19 May, 2021 Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The automotive industry shares government’s ambition for an electric revolution, a transformation that has already begun. However, as the Public Accounts Committee has made clear, we need a comprehensive and holistic plan to […]

“The decision to slash the Plug-in Car Grant and Van & Truck Grant is the wrong move at the wrong time.”

SMMT reaction to the Budget 3rd March 2021 Wednesday 3 March, 2021 Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,  “Today’s budget provides some encouragement to an automotive sector hit hard by the pandemic and additional trading costs but it falls short of the support needed to transform the industry and market to the net zero future to which both the government and industry aspires. Confirmation that the industry’s calls for the furlough scheme to be extended until the end of September have […]