Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd (SMMT) creates industry-wide Electric Vehicle Group

A cross-section of the motor industry representing volume manufacturers, niche vehicle producers and component suppliers met for the first time today to form the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' new Electric Vehicle Group.
Seeking to interact with government, stakeholders and industry both in the UK and internationally, the Electric Vehicle Group will promote a collaborative industry-wide approach to the development of ultra-low carbon technologies.
Addressing a wide-range of issues including government policy and legislation, research and development, technical regulations, market development, supporting infrastructure and consumer incentives, the diverse group of companies will act to develop the UK’s role in this globally competitive field.
"The UK has a strong emerging electric vehicle industry which will benefit from working together on a strategic approach to the issues that affect each and every one of them," said SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt. "The development of ultra low carbon vehicles provides an important opportunity for the UK motor industry and SMMT is determined to provide the support mechanisms needed to maximise the value to our national economy."

For more information about SMMT's Electric Vehicle Group, please contact evgweb (at) smmt.co.uk

Why is the automotive sector important to the UK economy?
· 27 car and CV manufacturers operating in the U producing 1.7 million vehicles
· £51b turnover and £9.5 billion value added
· Over 800,000 UK jobs
· UK automotive manufacturing supplies over 100 markets worldwide, offering some resilience to UK issues
· New cars emit less CO2 than older models – average new car CO2 emissions have fallen 19% in the last decade

Added By: Duncan