The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the Welsh Automotive Forum (WAF) to support the Automotive Supplier Finder (ASF) service, www.autosupplierfinder.co.uk, within the Wales region.
Automotive Supplier Finder is the largest automotive database, listing 8,000 companies and 3,000 product classifications. Designed to match buyers to suppliers based on pre-defined criteria, buyers can send requests to suppliers which match their needs, at the touch of a button. Inclusion in the database is free of charge and provides easy access to the wide-ranging suppliers in the UK motor industry.
The collaboration between SMMT and WAF will assist businesses in Wales with supplier identification to strengthen the development of the local supply chain. WAF will promote the ASF service to its members as well as providing help and assistance to those businesses that receive a request for quotation through the site.
Commenting on the partnership, Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive said, “This partnership provides a great opportunity for supply chain companies to increase their profile. The database, plus dedicated support from WAF, will ensure that the region is best placed to take advantage of the potential business that being part of ASF can offer.”
WAF chief executive Tim Williams said, “ASF is a valuable modern tool through which our members can grow their business with confidence and confidentiality. It is a very sophisticated way for members to make their skills and services available to others who may be looking for suppliers or partners in new business projects.
“The automotive industry is steadily moving towards doing e-business and this is a vital step for WAF members to take if they want to secure future contracts.”
Notes:
1. SMMT is the leading trade association for the motor industry, with over 500 member companies across vehicle manufacture and the supply chain it provides expert advice and information on the sector.
2. WAF isthe voice of the automotive industry in Wales, performing a lobbying and influencing role with the Welsh Assembly Government and government funded bodies, to ensure that funding and support of the industry are focused, and match the needs of all players in the supply chain. WAF represents 40 international system and component manufacturers and over 150 companies that support the industry and exists to promote their services and facilitates networking to maintain their rightful place at the forefront of world manufacturing.
3. At €20 bn, the automotive sector is Europe’s largest investor in R&D, driving industry forward and helping deliver more sustainable motoring for the 21stcentury. Technological innovation has helped car and CV manufacturers slash CO2 and air quality emissions from vehicles. New diesel cars for example emit 95% less soot from the tailpipe than those made 15 years ago and average new car CO2 has been cut by 19% since 1997.
4. The energy needed to produce each vehicle is down 12%, water use is down 9% and waste to landfill is down 25%, compared to 2006 performance. CO2 emissions per vehicle produced have fallen 14% in the last year and by 45% since 1999. Almost 10,000 tonnes of waste have been prevented from entering landfill sites. For more details, download SMMT’s ninth annual Sustainability Report from the SMMT website www.smmt.co.uk/category/reports/.
