Automotive News – Late October 2026

The new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market returned to growth in the third quarter of 2026, up by 7.2% to reach 9,941 units, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The performance marked the first quarter of growth for the market since Q2 2024, and the strongest performance since Q3 2023.

Sourced from SMMT

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Britain’s rollout of new buses, coaches and minibuses rose 3.1% to 2,065 units in the third quarter of 2026, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The performance represents the first quarter of growth in 2026, with year-to-date volumes down almost a third (-32.1%), as the market normalises after a 17-year high in fleet renewal in 2025.

The quarterly growth was underpinned by double-deck buses, up 64.2% to 729 units, reflecting the ongoing fulfilment of long-term urban fleet renewal programmes. Minibus uptake fell by -7.9% to 858 units, although it remained the largest volume segment, while single-deck bus and coach registrations also declined, by -23.6% to 478 units.

Sourced from SMMT

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Aston Martin’s revenue has passed £1bn for the first nine months of the year, as deliveries of its Valhalla supercar lifted margins and helped almost halve its cash outflow.

The Gaydon-based luxury carmaker reported revenue of £1,017.3m for the period to 30 September, up 38% from £739.6m a year earlier.

Total wholesale volumes were up 12% to 3,762 cars, driven by around 350 Valhalla Coupe deliveries. Sales of its core models, excluding the Valhalla and other limited run “Specials,” rose 2%.

Sourced from The Business Desk

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North Yorkshire-based Econ Engineering has been acquired by American industrial manufacturing company Alamo Group.

Headquartered in Ripon, Econ is a manufacturer of winter maintenance and specialist highways vehicles, supplying 85 per cent of the nation’s gritters and snow ploughs to councils and private contractors.

Sourced from TheBusinessDesk