SMMT has today announced that industry co-ordination of electric vehicle development, new technologies, innovation, e-mobility and low carbon motoring will now be handled by a dedicated team following the integration of several resources at the industry trade body.
SMMT made the changes in recognition of the increasing importance of these areas to UK automotive, aligning itself with the Automotive Council’s strategic approach to supporting innovation and R&D.
“The UK automotive industry is determined to take a leading role in developing the technologies to deliver sustainable motoring for the long-term,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “To support SMMT’s work in building a market for ultra-low carbon vehicles and embedding important industrial capability in the UK supply chain, we have pulled together a number of staff and functions to establish a new innovation and e-mobility team. The team, lead by Sam Larner will bring energy, enthusiasm and experience to the challenges and exciting opportunities ahead.”
The newly formed team will continue to facilitate and support the SMMT’s EV Group. This influential discussion-based and knowledge-sharing forum is instrumental in the early development of e-mobility in the UK.
The cross departmental team will be led by Samantha Larner who brings her expertise on technology, knowledge transfer and innovation to the role. Samantha will join SMMT’s the Public Policy and Vehicle Legislation Department, taking over responsibilities from Catherine Hutt, SMMT’s outgoing Electric Vehicle Manager who is leaving to pursue further MBA studies.
SMMT has already played a critical role in securing government support for the early low and ultra-low carbon vehicle market. Its work to date in fostering infrastructure development in the UK, influencing emerging standards and technical regulation, increasing investment in e-mobility and shaping the e-mobility supply chain has contributed to the UK’s global leadership in this field.
- For a detailed Q&A covering hundreds of questions about the electric vehicle industry download the SMMT Electric Car Guide.
- To see what the Automotive Council is doing to promote innovation and
e-mobility visit the Automotive Council website.
