SMMT News

SMMT International Automotive Summit – companies share their ambitions for low carbon innovation

20 April 2012 #SMMT News

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released details for the session Investing in Innovation at its fourth SMMT International Automotive Summit, to be held at Clifford Chance, Canary Wharf, on the 12 June, and forms part of the day-long Innovation in Ultra-Low Carbon Technology stream, supported by EDF Energy.

Positive news from the last Budget saw the government confirm detail for its previously announced R&D tax credit reform, providing private companies and foreign investors with added incentive to invest in UK automotive R&D, boosting high-skilled jobs and cementing the UK’s global lead in low carbon innovation.

In the session Investing in innovation John Leech, Automotive Partner, KMPG LLP, will explain how tax incentives, like the above the line credits for R&D, can boost inward investment and aid decision-making. He will also express how other incentives have sustained investment in UK R&D, and continue to support engineering excellence and create thousands of highly skilled jobs.

John Leech will go on to discuss the need for a strong industrial policy and look long-term at how the government and industry can raise the UK’s global competitiveness.

Tony Harper, Head of Research and Advanced System Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, will describe why the company chooses to make substantial and continued investment in plant, jobs and the manufacturing of a host of advanced new UK-built models. He will also outline what JLR perceives to be ideal conditions for investment going forward.

Meanwhile, Toby Peters, CEO, Dearman Engine Company, will highlight the challenges of obtaining funding for its ultra-low carbon and zero-emission technologies projects with Ricardo that do not benefit from government support and incentives.

To discuss advertising, exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, please contact 0808 178 8818 or summit@smmt.co.uk.The event will be held alongside the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, which runs from 11-17 June. To find out more about this year’s Summit, click here.

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