The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has announced that Business Minister Mark Prisk will deliver the keynote political speech at the 2011 SMMT International Automotive Summit, to be held next month in Westminster.
A keen supporter of UK manufacturing, Mr Prisk will discuss the key issues and opportunities facing the automotive industry, including its contribution to the country’s economy and its role in government’s renewed focus on the manufacturing sector.
Other speakers throughout the day will include Stephen Odell, Ford Group Vice President and Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe; Antony Sheriff, Managing Director of McLaren Automotive and senior representatives from across the automotive supply, manufacturing and retail sectors.
“The SMMT Summit tackles the key issues affecting our sector and addresses the continued role of automotive as a vital part of UK plc. It attracts top level political speakers and representatives alongside industry’s most influential leaders,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “The level of detail, expertise and variety of insight delivered by our expert speakers shows the dynamism of the industry and demonstrates the UK’s significance on an international scale.”
The varied full-day programme will include, ‘What UK plc has to offer the global automotive industry’; a technology session looking at industry’s low carbon future and ‘The changing face of automotive retail’. In addition to the main agenda, break-out sessions will cover the opportunities presented by overseas investment, how vehicle remarketing is changing and how low carbon considerations could impact on the world of commercial vehicles.
The Summit takes place on 28 June in Westminster, London. Delegate numbers are strictly limited, and tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. To book your place at the SMMT International Automotive Summit, please visit www.smmtsummit.co.uk or contact Charlene Harry on 020 8267 5657 or smmt.summit@haymarket.com.
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact Richard Sargood on 0845 450 4195 or richard@relishevents.co.uk.
Summit plenary programme
09:30 Opening remarks
Justin Webb
09:45 Industry keynote speaker
Stephen Odell
10:30 What UK plc has to offer the global motor industry
Panel debate
11:15 Refreshment break
12:00 Technology: moving towards an ultra-low carbon future
Panel of speakers and Q&A
13:30 Lunch
14:30 The changing face of car retailing
Panel of speakers and Q&A
16:15 Political keynote speaker
Mark Prisk
17:00 Closing remarks
Paul Everitt
