SMTA would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
SMTA & SCOTSURE OFFICE HOURS OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD
Both offices will be closed from Midday on Tuesday 24th December.
Scotsure Warranty offices will reopen Friday 3rd January.
SMTA offices will reopen Monday 6th January.
SMTA & IMI is offering new and existing customers an integrated eLearning package for both CPD and Annual Assessment for 2024/25.
Some of the areas you will need to study for Groups A and B: Corrosion and Standards of Repair, Classification of Vehicles, Test Procedures, and the MOT Inspection Manual and MOT Testing Guide
LOG-IN CODE AND FULL INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE GIVEN ONCE PAYMENT IS
Testers registering for Group A and Group B Training & Assessment at the same time will qualify for our Two for One offer and will get both registration codes (one for each group) for the price of one.
Used market displaying unseasonal strength in December, finds Cap HPI
Analysis from Cap HPI shows the used car market is performing strongly with average car values at three years and 60,000 miles declining only 1.1% month to date.
Data experts predict the month will end with a fall of approximately 1.5% against an average decline of 1.3%. At this time last year, cap Live values were decreasing towards a -2.1% monthly drop for January following two consecutive monthly drops of 4.2%.
Petrol values are currently decreasing by 1.2%, with both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) down by 1.1%. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are also seeing a reduction of 1%, while diesel is decreasing by just 0.8%.
Courtesy AM Online
Van market posts second best-ever November but EVs and pick-ups need support to keep pace
The new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market recorded its fourth consecutive month of growth as registrations rose by 10.5% in November, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). With 30,300 new vans, pick-ups and 4x4s registered, it was the second biggest November in history for the market.
Growth was recorded across all van weight classes, with small van volumes up 128.6% to 999 units, medium vans rising by 9.8% to 4,999 units, while large vans saw volumes increase by 13.5% with
20,504 reaching the road. Registrations of 4x4s also saw a boost, up by 33.4% to 786 units, but pick-up registrations fell by -20.4% to 3,012 units. While uptake has been in decline across the year, last month’s Budget has put that segment in further danger.
With double-cab pick-ups set to be taxed as cars for benefit in kind and capital allowances purposes after April 2025, businesses that rely on these vehicles, such as construction, farming, utilities and the self-employed, will face further cost pressure. Given the impact this would have on the market and these sectors in particular, the industry urges government to reconsider and uphold HMRC’s decision of February this year, to avoid damaging growth prospects.
Take part in our new survey
It’s that time of year when automotive industry charity, Ben, launches its annual Health & Wellbeing survey, to gain insights into the health and wellbeing needs of automotive people - for now and in the future.
Ben would like as many people as possible who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry to share their health and wellbeing experiences. The charity wants to hear what health and wellbeing issues have affected automotive people and their families over the past year and what they think their challenges might be in the future.
The survey is confidential, takes under 10 minutes and each participant has the chance to win a £500 Amazon voucher.
HELP BEN TO HELP YOU & WIN £500 –TAKE THE SURVEY NOW!
Ben uses the survey results to guide future support and service development for automotive individuals who are struggling or in crisis. The results from Ben’s Health & Wellbeing survey are also shared annually in a report to help automotive industry employers better support the health and wellbeing of their workforce.
Last year’s survey indicated that:
• 99.6% of automotive workers were personally affected by a health and wellbeing issue
• Stress was the most common issue (56%), followed by poor sleep (51%) and feelings of anxiety (43%)
7 in 10 automotive workers were worried about money - up from 6 in 10 year on year
FIND OUT MORE
DVLA findings highlight mixed views on classic car EV conversions
Current guidelines for converting classic cars to electric are overly restrictive making it difficult for owners to retain a vehicle’s original identity and registration, according to responses gathered in the long-awaited DVLA call for evidence focusing on the future of the classic car industry.
Others expressed concerns about the classification of EV-converted vehicles as classic or historic cars with others advocating for relaxed regulations to allow safety-enhancing modifications while preserving the essence of the vehicles.
One classic car owner argued that restoring or lightly modifying a vehicle does not alter its fundamental status as a
classic, emphasizing that EV conversions should be seen as a way to extend the longevity of these vehicles in a sustainable manner.
The broader consultation attracted 1,372 responses, including 1,162 from individuals and 129 from organisations. While the primary focus of the evidence was on the registration process and safety checks, the conversation around EV conversions underscored the sector’s balancing act between tradition and innovation.
Nearly half of all respondents indicated satisfaction with the current registration process for historic vehicles, stating that a separate system is unnecessary. Seven percent called for minor improvements,
while another seven percent emphasized retaining age-related registration numbers. A further 86 percent opposed creating a unique registration series for historic vehicles.
Safety checks also divided opinion, with many owners resisting additional requirements. Nearly 400 respondents opposed introducing new checks, while 28 per cent supported a basic roadworthiness assessment.
Courtesy AM Online
CLICK HERE TO TAKE PART
MOT FORECAST VOLUMES JANUARY 2025
TRADE SNIPPETS
Charging and battery anxiety worry EV drivers
Article courtesy of Motor Trader
Watch: Moment disgruntled customer drove Subaru right through US dealership
Article courtesy of CarDealer Magazine
GWM Ora to rebrand UK dealers as GWM in early 2025
Article courtesy ofAM Online
Close Brothers allowed to appeal motor finance commission ruling
Article courtesy of Motor Trader
Automotive 30% Club gets within touching distance of ambitous ’30 by 30’ target
Article courtesy of CarDealer Magazine
Red car colour choice expected to die out by 2037
Article courtesy of AM Online
SMTA produces a quarterly magazine to all our members, if you haven’t got one yet our Territory Account Managers will be visiting your garage soon with a copy for you.
If you’d like your garage to feature please contact: karen.thompson@smta.co.uk
SMTA CONTACTS
ACCOUNT ENQUIRIES:
Telephone – 0131 331 5510
Email – accounts@smta.co.uk
MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES/ TRADING PARTNERS:
Norman Stirling – 07917 095014
Membership Development Manager
Marcus Lawrence – 07375 057561
Territory Account Manager, Western Region
Stuart Kennedy – 07375 057560
Territory Account Manager, Northern Region
MOT QMS ENQUIRIES
David Innes – 07789 264228
Operations Manager, Support Services
Gordon Laing – 07799 732124
Support Services Consultant
Wayne Sutherland – 07729 045666
Support Services Consultant
APPRENTICE TRAINING ENQUIRIES
Fraser Miller – 07789 264229
Apprentice Training Manager
EMPLOYMENT LAW ENQUIRIES
Moira Gaynor – 0131 331 5510
Company Secretary/Finance Manager
SCOTSURE WARRANTY:
Claims and Enquiries – 0131 331 5512
MEMBERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS:
Karen Thompson – 07922 079889
Membership Communications Manager
EVENTS ENQUIRIES:
Email: events@smta.co.uk
ADVERTISING/SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES:
Wendy Hennessy – 07974 380140
Scottish Motor Trade Association Ltd.,
Palmerston House, 10 The Loan, South Queensferry EH30 9NS
Telephone: 0131 331 5510
www.smta.co.uk
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