SMMT
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest trade associations in the UK, representing companies across the UK automotive industry. Founded in 1902, its members include vehicle manufacturers, component and parts suppliers, dealers and other businesses involved in making, selling and servicing cars, vans, trucks and buses. The SMMT speaks for the industry to government and the media, and campaigns on issues such as trade, manufacturing investment and the transition to electric vehicles.
What the SMMT does
Beyond lobbying, the SMMT is best known as the authoritative source of UK vehicle market statistics. Each month it publishes new car and van registration figures, showing which models are selling, how the overall market is performing, and how quickly buyers are switching to electric and hybrid powertrains. It also reports UK vehicle and engine manufacturing output and runs industry events. Journalists, analysts and policymakers all rely on SMMT data, which is why its figures appear so often in motoring news.
Why it matters when buying a car
You will rarely deal with the SMMT directly as a consumer, but its data is genuinely useful context. Registration statistics reveal which models are popular – popularity generally means plentiful used stock, competitive prices, and easy availability of parts and specialist knowledge. Market-wide trends, such as the decline of diesel or the growth of electric cars, also affect future resale values, so a glance at where the market is heading can inform a smarter purchase.
Once you have shortlisted a car, make sure its individual history stacks up with a car history check.