SMMT calls for cost cut Budget
Page 17
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• The Government has been urged by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to cut diesel duty and to slash commercial vehicle road tax in its March Budget.
The SMMT met Transport Secretary Malcolm Rifkind last week to demand a Budget that will ease the plight of the troubled vehicle industry.
It is also approaching more than 600 parliamentary candidates to promote the industry's case and to persuade them to meet CV users and manufacturers in their constituencies.
The SMMT fears that last year's 50% drop in truck registrations will lead to plant closures unless the Government acts. It believes that bus manufacturers are in particular danger: "The fall in truck sales is unparalleled elsewhere — its because of this ridiculous Government attitude which fails to encourage investment, leading to an economy of swings and roundabouts," says SMMT chief executive Sir Hal Miller.
Other Budget submissions by the SMMT include improved capital allowances for trucks and buses to stimulate sales; the abolition of car tax; and a higher tax price threshold on company cars.
"We have good reasons for supposing the Chancellor will help us this year; the atmosphere is different," says Miller, who adds that the SMMT has constantly lobbied the Government since its disappointing Budget last year.