BMTA History
The BMTA Trust assumed charity status almost 40 years ago, but its existence as a leading motor industry organisation goes back as far as 1913.
British Motor Trade Association Formed
The British Motor Trade Association was formed then to act as a disciplinary body serving the needs of both the manufacturers of the day and retail dealers.
In this role BMTA was required to impose restrictive conditions, so it had to be registered as a trade union.Â
National Used Car Price Book Launched
In 1935, BMTA was given authority to set and maintain used car values.
In those days its legal powers ensured compliance among association members with its ‘National Used Car Price Book’ which had significantly more influence than Glass’s Guide or any of the subsequent national price guides.
Covenant Scheme Launched
In 1945, and for the following 6 years when the post-war supply of new cars struggled to meet demand, BMTA operated the ‘Covenant Scheme’.
This set restrictions on the sale and purchase of new cars in an effort to prevent the growth of a ‘black market’ in new cars.
Restrictive Trade Practices Act
But all was soon to change when in 1956 the introduction of the ‘Restrictive Trade Practices Act’ rendered BMTA’s price maintenance arrangements illegal.
Additionally, manufacturers could no longer compel their dealers to be BMTA members.Â
Retail Price Act
Finally, when in 1964 the ‘Retail Price Act’ came into force, this effectively brought to an end BMTA’s remaining control over orderly marketing within the industry.
By this time manufacturer members had almost entirely migrated to the Society of Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and many retail dealers had joined the Motor Agents Association (later to become the Retail Motor Industry Federation).
First Seeds of BMTA
The directors tasked with winding up BMTA took the decision in 1967 to commute the residual assets of the association into two discrete charity funds, awarding grants for welfare and education.
BMTA Recognised as Charity
Today’s BMTA Trust formally became a charity in 1982 following the completion of a long drawn out validation process.
