Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – Weekly Newsletter 1st August 2025
Table of Contents
Editorial
🏍️ Saturday Meet-Up
Last Saturday’s meet was full of joyful riders—unless they were off touring, pretty much everyone turned up. It was one of those really feel-good days: catching up with mates, checking out new bikes and giving respect to the older ones still going strong. After swapping stories about family stuff, mid-week riding and recent adventures, it was time to hit the road.
Our Observers gave a quick update on how each Associate’s training was progressing and shared plans to help Associates level up their advanced riding skills. Then it was straight into putting those plans into action—making real progress with real riding and a personal riding coach.
🚨 E-Scooter Trials Extended… Again
This week, IAM RoadSmart wasn’t too happy about the UK Government’s decision to extend e-scooter trials for another year. It’s like the politician and civil servants are hoping people will stop pointing out how dodgy these dangerous machines are—no training, no licences, no insurance and riders who barely know the law or Highway Code. Will we stop complaining, not likely!
Police forces across the UK are already severely stretched trying to deal with illegally modified scooters and bikes. Let’s be honest, this policy isn’t helping climate change, commuter travel or the NHS—it’s just adding more pressure to over-stretched essential services. IAM RoadSmart also reported that business drivers are racking up risks and costs. However, instead of pinpointing the worst offenders, they lumped all working drivers together. It’s an unhelpful message and easily dismissed by anyone glancing at it.
🅿️ Parking, Emissions & Electric Support: Still Not Fair
MAG (Motorcycle Action Group) has again been shouting about the lack of secure motorcycle parking compared to what car drivers get. It’s a very fair point. They also slammed the Government for using poor emissions data to hit riders with charges. Meanwhile, the MCIA says electric motorcycles, in the UK, are getting left behind again when it comes to support.
The NMC is pushing for a proper grant—£1,500 for bikes over £10k—to help riders make the switch to electric motorcycles. Without it, the market suffers and we end up with more overpriced scooters and e-bikes. Completely defeating the point of the policy. All this has left a lot of riders feeling that UK politicians and civil servants just don’t care—or worse, are actively against motorcycling.
But here’s the twist: after reading a MAG piece this week (see MAG section below), I’ve changed my mind. The real issue? Not enough motorcyclists are speaking up. If we don’t lobby our MPs, we’re just feeding the silence. Like I’ve quoted in a previous newsletter: “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
So here’s the challenge—write to your MP. Ask them to back motorcycling issues: safety, training, fair treatment, and proper support. In a crowded political landscape the needs of minority groups can easily get drowned out. It’s easy to feel cynical, but when have bikers ever backed down from a challenge? If we can turn out for charity rides, we can definitely send an email demanding fair play in motorcycling policies.
📉 Sales Slump Across Europe
ACEM’s (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles) latest report shows that motorcycle sales are down—Germany’s dropped by 29%, the UK by 20%. Mopeds are struggling too, especially in France (-27.7%) and Italy (-32%). But the UK’s NMDA (National Motorcycle Dealers Association) reckons that June’s figures are just a blip and things will bounce back. Fingers crossed they’re right.
🇻🇳 Hanoi’s Bold Move on Electric Scooters
While the UK Government drags its feet, Vietnam’s going all in. The Hanoi government is covering the cost for 7 million scooter riders to switch to electric. It’s a big push to tackle very serious pollution, especially since most commuters ride scooters in the city.
There are concerns—charging costs and whether high-rise flats can handle the electricity demand—but the deadline’s set: 1st July 2026. Everyone inside Ring Road 1 has to switch. It’s bold, it’s ambitious, and it shows what’s possible when a government backs its riders and is determined to solve the problem. We’re rooting for them.
🌍 One Rider, One Bike, One Big Adventure
And finally, something to inspire you. A rider from Sheffield has packed in his job, rebuilt a classic bike, and is heading off to Mongolia. We’ll be keeping tabs on his journey—it’s the kind of adventure that reminds us why we ride. For those who can’t ride, it gives a vicarious pleasure to learn about the trials and triumphs of adventure riding.
Until next week—ride safe, stay sharp, and keep the passion alive. ✊
PS: Sometimes, unexpected events will put a rider in hospital. To anyone who is having a hard time we are here to give support and to make life a little easier – even if it is only to make you laugh until stitches threaten to pop, share the grapes and tell you what you are missing. Get well soon.
#IAMRoadSmart, #AdvancedRider, #MotorcycleTraining, #RoadSafety,
#SkillForLife, #IAMObserver, #IAMTestPass, #RideSafe, #PostTestTraining, #IAMGroup
Your success is our success!
Advanced riders are safer road users, ride longer, rider further, meet more people and enjoy a healthier, happier life!
For Your Diary
Meetings
Next SAM Club Night
1st September 2025
7.30pm start for meeting at 8pm. Gives you time to catch up on what you’ve missed!
Treeton Miners Welfare Club
Arundel Street
Treeton
Rotherham S60 5PW
Next SAM Committee Meeting
31st July 2025
Details to be arranged
Online Motorcycling News
General
What Critics Say About Parliamentary Questions
“Ministers just give vague non-answers”
Fair point. Government responses can be frustratingly evasive.
“Parliamentary questions aren’t demands – they can’t force ministers to do anything”
Technically correct. MPs can ask for information and explanations, but they can’t compel specific policy changes. This isn’t a reflection on your MP’s commitment; it’s how the system works.
“Even when PQs expose problems, nothing changes”
True – a parliamentary question doesn’t automatically trigger policy change.
“It’s just parliamentary theatre with no substance”
There’s truth here. Much parliamentary activity feels performative. Read more.
Electric motorcycles have become more popular on UK roads, and even though the electric market is nowhere near overtaking the combustion engine, they have gained some traction amongst bikers.
And with a quarter of the 21st century gone, let’s see what the state of play is with these newly created machines and what the best models on the market are.The world of electric motorcycles is a somewhat uncanny space for people used to ICE motorcycles. And in terms of numbers sold, VMoto are the current champions of this world, at least in the UK. Their CPX Pro scooter is consistently the UK’s best selling electric two-wheeler, which makes sense given how many people just want a reliable and cheap urban commuter, and don’t necessarily need the kind of power you can get from bigger bikes. Read more.
The bike industry has hit back at the Government’s new £650 million Electric Car Grant for excluding two-wheelers, with the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) branding it a “missed opportunity.”Despite welcoming support for electric cars, the group warns the plan leaves zero-emission bikes and scooters in the cold, even as the existing Plug-in Motorcycle Grant is set to be axed in April 2026. Motorcycle Industry Association CEO Tony Campbell said: “If this Government is serious about net zero, levelling up transport, and tackling congestion, it cannot continue to ignore our sector.” Read more.
Rider Health & Safety
Do you ride a motorcycle or know someone who does? If so, you’ll know that riding a motorcycle has some risks. In fact, statistics show that motorcyclists are much more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal accident than car drivers. This is why it’s important to take steps to reduce the risks and the Biker I.C.E. Card is one of the most effective solutions available.
The Biker I.C.E. Card is a simple, yet vital tool. It contains your contact details and essential medical information. In the event of an accident, emergency services staff can quickly access this information to help them decide on the right treatment for you. By carrying a Biker I.C.E. Card, you can ensure that emergency services staff have the information they need to take account of any ongoing health problems you have and any current treatments that you are receiving. This can make their job easier and your emergency care safer. Read more...
Adventure & Touring
Like most folks, my first experience on a motorcycle will be forever etched in my memory. I had taken six months off work, acquired a driver’s license, and, knowing nothing about bikes, bought a Cagiva Elefant 750. About 500 miles of riding later I was fully loaded and setting off from my home in Sheffield, England—towards Mongolia.
Unable to get a foot flat on the ground, and with two spare tires on board, I only made it to the end of my street before I was lying on the ground, wondering why in the hell I was doing this.
I returned from this monumental trip a different person with a permanently shifted self-perception. I could tolerate only another five years of the daily grind before something deep within called me back to the open road. I needed another challenge—to attempt something I did not know if I could finish. Read more.
STANFORD, MONTANA. There is a Japanese phrase I adore: shinrin-yoku. Translated, it means “forest bathing,” or the therapeutic act of heading into the woods. It’s a concept I’ve explored countless times without knowing the phrase itself until recent years, but when I grow weary of the modern world—and its ability to seep into every aspect of my life—I leave the world behind.
I go to the mountains, high alpine streams, wildfire-scarred landscapes, and wherever else on public lands I can find without cell service. There are still wild places in this world to explore, and they are—for those who’ve never partaken—glorious. There, you can watch a sunset pierce through old-growth pines, witness the cascade of waterfalls off limestone cliffs, encounter a bear or two or three, and even find yourself some true silence: utterly deafening in its nature. Read more.
History & Custom
You’re unlikely to see a Kymco KTR 150 on the street outside of Taiwan, where it’s built and predominantly sold. But this humble single-cylinder commuter is quickly gaining fame, thanks to a growing contingent of Taiwanese workshops choosing it for their custom builds.
It’s easy to see why. The KTR is readily available and affordable, and its utilitarian nature makes it a versatile platform for customization. In the hands of experienced outfits like 2LOUD Custom, it sings.
The Taipei-based workshop has been churning out custom bikes at a rapid rate lately. This svelte Kymco KTR 150 scrambler is their latest project, and it’s as much a champion of the KTR’s popularity as it is a showcase for 2LOUD’s skills.
According to shop boss Ma ‘Max’ Yicheng, the goal was to build a carefree street bike with vintage motocross styling. To get there, Max and co. modified the KTR with a carefully considered cocktail of custom details and aftermarket parts—many of which came from 2LOUD’s ever-growing catalog of bolt-on bits. Read more.
Kevin Williams
Pivoting away from the ICE; Hanoi sets date for PTW ban
If you want a hint of what a future without the ICE might look like, it’s much closer than you might think, since Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued Directive 20 on Saturday July 12, 2025.
Directive 20 mandates a complete ban on all fossil‑fuel motorcycles and mopeds within Hanoi’s inner Ring Road 1 in just twelve month’s time. It will come into force on July 1, 2026.
Like the rest of Vietnam, motorcycles are the main mode of transport for most of Hanoi’s 8 million residents. The city has nearly 7 million motorcycles and just over a million cars. In some districts, PTWs account for 90%+ of all road traffic. Read more.
Going on holiday? Care for your chain! Part 2
Last week we looked at cleaning a chain before going on holiday, then caring for it, particularly when riding in the rain. In this final installment of articles loosely connected by the need to fix problems out on the road, I’ll conclude with tips on the topic of keeping your chain correctly tensioned on holiday.
CHECK THE ALIGNMENT – making sure the chain is properly aligned between the sprockets reduces vibration, chain wear and fuel consumption. You’re unlikely to have a paddock stand on holiday so it’s a job to do before you leave. My first suggestion is to check for oddly-polished edges on the teeth on the rear sprocket – I’ve found that can be an indicator of misalignment. Don’t rely 100% on the swingarm alignment notches near the axle – they SHOULD be identical on both sides, but I’ve also found they can be slightly off. If you have any doubts, use a long straight edge (I have a metre-long metal rule) or you can buy various chain alignment tools from simple pointers to lasers. Read more.
Improve your motorcycling skills
with Survival Skills Rider Training
Start your journey into better biking here!
Survival Skills | FREE better biking tips for all motorcycle riders
If you want to know more about Survival Skills advanced motorcycle training courses & how I created the content, then you’re in the right place. Here’s a little about my background.
With no prior training I learned to ride when I was at university. After graduating, the planned month of despatch riding to pay some bills turned into a sixteen-year career in which I covered well in excess of half a million miles…
…in all weathers from baking sun to snow and ice, day and night, on return journeys ranging from a few hundred yards to almost a thousand miles,, and on roads as wildly different as City of London alleyways and mountaintop roads in the wilds of Wales.
In 1995, I switched career. I trained as a CBT instructor, then qualified to become one of the first Direct Access trainers in the country. Recreationally, I’ve ridden extensively in Europe, the USA and most recently New Zealand.
Without blowing my own horn too much, that’s a background of personal experience unlikely to be matched by many trainers. Not surprisingly, much of what I have incorporated into my training comes directly from ‘The School of Hard Knocks’. What has worked for me I pass on to you. I also pass on some tips about what NOT to do based on what didn’t work for me! Read more.
To get sound answers, ask the right questions Pt 1
Reports on a new paper called ‘Motorcycles in the Mind’s Eye’ study have been doing the rounds. The Road Safety Trust which funded the study explains that the project says that “a simple video intervention could help save lives – with 92% of drivers reporting a greater understanding of hazards…” after watching it.
Why is this necessary?
The Road Safety Trust article (the link is at the bottom of the page) tells us:
“The Motorcycles in the Mind’s Eye study by psychologists at Nottingham Trent University, funded by the Road Safety Trust, explores the theory that many of these incidents are not due to carelessness, but to a lack of experience and flawed ‘mental models’ whereby car drivers and motorcyclists think differently about road situations. Read more.
Information flow – from Push to Pull & back to Push
Last week I was talking about the profound change in just who holds the information that is available to us, and how the internet brought about a democratisation of knowledge. Rather than information being ‘gatekept’ – mostly held by governments and institutions and distributed via a strictly-limited number of channels including research journals, books and news articles – PCs are permanently connected at home and work, and smartphones put the internet in every pocket. We can search for what we like, where we like, when we like, and pretty much anyone can create and share content too. Information flow changed from ‘push’ to ‘pull’. Read more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT A SURVIVAL SKILLS PRESENTATION TO YOUR GROUP
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO TALK ABOUT?
I have a range of presentations which I can offer, including:
‘Science Of Being Seen’ is the innovative and well-known talk first developed for the award-winning ‘Biker Down’ first aid and crash scene management course. Continually updated with the latest science, SOBS looks at the reasons behind the ‘Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You’ SMIDSY collision, then suggests straightforward and practical steps riders can take to lessen the risk of being involved in what remains the most common crash involving a motorcycle and another road user Read more.
Stop worrying & start IMPROVING
If you want to find to ways to improve your motorcycling skills & discover the keys to increased fun and reduced stress on two wheels
Start HERE
FINALLY…
a 21st century approach to riding
A motorcycle can do only two things – but when and where we change speed and direction has a major impact on how safe we are on the road.
‘Survival SKILLS’ is a fresh new look at riding from top rider coach Kevin Williams. Packed with new ways of looking at better riding technique, the book delves into the latest research and applies the novel ‘No Surprise? No Accident!’ approach to rider safety. Junctions, corners and overtaking all get the Survival Skills treatment.
Novice or expert, the best bolt-on accessory for any bike is the rider and ‘Survival SKILLS’ is a DIY guide on riding technique. The content of the book flows logically, with each new level layered on top of the previous sections. With each topic concluding with a series of easy-to-follow practical exercises, this book provides the practical advice missing from other ‘better biking’ books.
Survival SKILLS – the book aimed at helping you become the very best rider you can be! Read more.
Whiteknights Blood Bikes
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
Scooter safety:Every death and serious injury on the road is a preventable tragedy. Yet, on average, five people die every day on the road in the UK and 82 are seriously injured (10-year average from 2013-2022). This has to change. Help us by sticking to the rules of the road. Brake, the road safety charity
Motorcycling Organisations
IAM RoadSmart
Has it been a while since you passed your Advanced test? 
23 percent of business drivers admit to tailgating other drivers
Almost a third of business drivers are not checking their mirrors or blind spots
Almost a third of business drivers are not checking their mirrors or blind spots, potentially endangering themselves, other drivers and more vulnerable road users like cyclists according to new research published by the road safety charity IAM RoadSmart. Read more.
Responding to the UK Government’s extension of the rental e-scooter trial to 2028:
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Given the safety concerns around the use of e-scooters, it’s disappointing to see another kicking of the can down the road on legislation. There are real issues that need to be dealt with, not least the continued illegal use of private e-scooters, poor riding standards and the proliferation of these devices within the hot food delivery market and wider gig economy. While we’re not opposed to collecting more evidence, we need to start seeing action on safer riding and build standards.” Read more.
Are you aware of the OAP framework when out riding? 
ACEM
New motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 542.361 units during the six first months of 2025. This represents a decrease of approximately -11,3% compared to 2024 (611.145 units).
Motorcycle registration volumes increase in Spain (111.363 units, +5% year-on-year), while in other countries, the market has generally shrunk: in Italy (195.025 units, -4,2%), France (98.499 units, -14,8%), UK (47.464 units, -19,8%) and in Germany (90.010 units, -29%).
Moped registrations reached a total volume of 68.690 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of -19,2% in comparison to last year (84.974 units). All markets are with a previsible decrease, Spain (5.628, -2%), Germany followed (8.333 units, -5,9%), Belgium (13.304 units, -9,7%), Netherlands (13.199 units, -17,4%) , France (21.607 units -27,7%) and Italy (6.619 units, -32,4%). Read more.
British Motorcyclists Federation
A new study is sounding the alarm on the hidden threat all motorcyclists are aware of: the steel safety barriers lining thousands of kilometres of roads.
Motorcyclists across Europe are familiar with the dangers of slippery curves and unexpected obstacles. Researchers confirm that these barriers, designed primarily to protect car occupants, are a serious risk to motorcyclists in a specific type of accident: upright crashes. When a rider hits a barrier in an upright position, their chest or abdomen often slams directly into the sharp upper edge of the guardrail. The research paper calls for better guardrails to protect motorcyclists in these upright crashes.
While ‘motorcycle-friendly’ barriers already exist to reduce injuries from sliding crashes, where riders slide into the barrier after falling off their bike, the upper edge of standard guardrails remains lethal in upright impacts. Published in the journal Infrastructures, the study reviews a wide range of patents and designs aimed at reducing the danger of upper-edge impacts. The research team, made up of safety engineers and infrastructure experts, assessed thirteen international designs for their potential to save lives, including both low-cost retrofits and high-tech barrier add-ons. Read more.
FEMA
The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) published its 19th PIN annual report, analyzing the 20,017 deaths on EU roads in 2024. In this report, the ETSC again calls for periodic technical inspections for all motorcycles and mopeds without offering any proof of safety gains.
The ETSC recommends to extend testing to cover all motorcycles, including mopeds, without exemptions: as a minimum, first inspection after four years, subsequent inspections every two years, then every year after that. But more on that later, let’s look at the road safety numbers first.
The EU has set a target to halve the number of road deaths by 2030, based on their level in 2019. Most European countries have similar national targets. The 19th PIN report paints a mixed picture: clear progress in some countries, especially Norway and Lithuania, but overall European trends falling short. With only a 12% reduction in deaths since 2019, and serious injuries barely budging, the EU faces a critical juncture. Read more.
Motorcycle Action Group
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is calling for urgent action. The Government must properly consider motorcycles in national parking policy. This follows the launch of the latest consultation on the Private Parking Code of Practice. However, MAG highlights a persistent problem: the lack of engagement with motorcyclists’ needs. This continues despite years of professional advocacy and clear evidence of under-provision.MAG has consistently raised concerns about motorcycle parking with Government. This includes a detailed letter to Angela Rayner MP in August 2024. That letter highlighted several key issues. First, the flaws of emissions-based charging for motorcycles. Second, the inadequacy of DVLA emissions data. Third, the need for secure, fair provision for riders. Read more.
Motorcycle Industries Association
MCIA Response to Government’s £650m Electric Car Grant: “Motorcycles Left Behind Again”
MCIA Response to Government’s £650m Electric Car Grant: “Motorcycles Left Behind Again”
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) welcomes today’s announcement by the Transport Secretary regarding the £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) – but warns that once again, L-Category vehicles have been completely excluded from a major government initiative to support zero emission transport.
While we recognise the Government’s commitment to supporting the automotive sector and accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, there is nothing in today’s announcement for zero emission motorcycles, scooters, or other L-Category vehicles – a sector that offers a vast, underutilised opportunity to decarbonise transport, ease congestion, and improve air quality. Read more.
National Motorcycle Dealers Association
“Consumer confidence continues to affect the motorcycle market” said Symon Cook, Head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest figures published by MCIA.
New registrations in June dropped -18.6%, which is down 6.3% compared to May’s -12.3% figure. Meanwhile, the figures “year-to-date” total at -20.1%, highlighting the market as being significantly below 2024 levels.
Symon Cook concluded: “We are concerned by such a sharp decline, particularly during a period of warm weather, which typically acts as a conduit for higher motorcycle sales and registrations. This makes June’s result even more surprising and concerning for the sector.
Like the wider automotive industry, the motorcycle market faces economic uncertainty and many dealers are struggling to match the volumes seen in 2024. With Q2 closing negatively, we anticipate this month will prove to be an outlier and that the market will resume its upward trend.” Read more.
National Motorcyclists Council
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has welcomed news that the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering options for reviewing the current training, testing and licensing regime. The NMC, along several motorcycling organisations and other road safety stakeholders were told the news by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP who attended a round table meeting of the Government’s Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group on January 20th to discuss licensing and other aspects of motorcycle safety and policy. Read more…
In response to the Government’s announcement of a new Electric Car Grant , the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) is today calling on the Government to both renew the Grant when it comes up for review early next year and to increase the level and scope of support that it provides for buyers of alternative propulsion motorcycles.
The current motorcycle grant was launched in 2016 to help ‘bridge the price gap between the cost of zero emission and petrol motorcycles’. Originally, the grant was 20% of the cost of an electric motorcycle up to a maximum of £1,500. But in 2022, at the same time that the old plug-in grant for cars was abolished, the motorcycle grant was reduced to up to £150 for mopeds and £500 for motorcycles, as long as the recommended retail price was £10,000 or below. The moped grant was abolished in 2024 and in February this year, the Government extended the £500 grant for a further year, but only for motorcycles. Read more.
New Rider Hub
What is Ridefree?
Ridefree is an award-winning enhancement to compulsory basic training (CBT), consisting of pre-course eLearning modules. Its aim is to help you prepare for your CBT and riding on the road.
How can it help me?
CBT should be an enjoyable experience. But there’s a lot to learn, and it’s normal to feel anxious about your first bike ride. The good news is that Ridefree will help you become a better and more confident rider…Read more.
Sadly, motorcycles and scooters are more vulnerable to theft than cars simply because they can be more easily removed, secreted, broken up and disposed of.
Learn how to keep them safe 👇
Motorcycles and scooters are more vulnerable to theft than cars simply because they can be more easily removed, secreted, broken up and disposed of.
The recovery rate of stolen motorcycles and scooters is very low in comparison to cars and larger vehicles.
To combat theft, 2Wheels London has produced some simple tips to follow:
Security
It can be hard when you are buying your first bike to make sure you get it right. This page gives you lots of advice so your first bike can be a great one.
Here are some top tips when buying a bike:
Make sure you are the correct legal age to ride the type of motorcycle you want to ride
Make sure all the documents are in order. Ask to see the V5C vehicle registration document (logbook), any service records, repair bills, inspection reports and handbooks
Remember that a V5C vehicle registration document is not proof of ownership; it records who the registered keeper is for legal purposes
An MOT certificate simply confirms that the motorcycle passed the test on the day it was submitted. It only covers the specific tests required and does not provide an absolute guarantee of the general quality of the motorcycle. If you have a problem with an MOT contact the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which enforces the law relating to these tests
You can check the MOT history of a vehicle on GOV.UK website; it holds the test date, expiry date, test result, the mileage recorded when it was tested, the reason for an MOT failure and any advisory notice items
An older motorcycle with high mileage may not be as good as a newer motorcycle with low mileage. It should still be fit for use on the road and in condition that reflects its age and price. Fair wear and tear are not considered to be a fault. Read more.
Look after your bike/moped and it will look after you. Carrying out a few simple checks before each ride could save your life. Use POWDERS
Petrol
- Do you have enough for your journey?
- Is the reserve tap off?
- Check there are no leaks Read more…
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
The UK-India trade agreement represents a significant achievement, partially liberalising the Indian automotive market for the first time.
While the highly complex deal confirms some compromises, its entry into force will provide commercial opportunities for UK manufacturers who will be able to access vastly reduced tariffs on internal combustion vehicles from day one, and on electrified vehicles and parts in the longer term.
To ensure maximum and timely benefit, we now need rapid ratification and renewed efforts to agree fair and workable solutions on tariff-rate-quotas administration.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive Read more.