Major names from the global automotive industry will gather at the SMMT International Automotive Summit on 12 June to discuss how sustained investment in R&D and a collaborative approach from industry, government and academia can keep UK automotive at the forefront of the low carbon agenda. The series of presentations and discussions will form the Creating the vision – Encouraging Automotive Innovation session, part of the Innovation in ultra-low carbon technology stream, supported by EDF Energy.
Tony Harper, Head of Research, Jaguar Land Rover, will open the session speaking on behalf of the Automotive Council’s Technology Group on the five ‘sticky technologies’ (internal combustion engine; electric machines and power electronics; energy storage and energy management; light-weighting; intelligent transport systems) identified as presenting the strongest long-term growth opportunities for the UK industry. Harper will update the audience on the Group’s progress towards a set of inter-related roadmaps aimed at encouraging both financial and academic investment in their development.
High-level collaboration between industry, government and academia gives the UK a unique strength and a tangible opportunity to develop the five sticky technologies, delivering economic growth. Harper will go on to chair a panel featuring Andrew Everett, Technology Strategy Board, and Catherine Coates, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, who will highlight the value of collaboration. Speakers will explain how a common vision approach and shared research agenda will help ensure UK automotive sustains its position as a leader in low and ultra-low carbon R&D.
The final section will consider how the UK can increase its global competitiveness and continue to attract the major international investment experienced over the past 18 months. Toby Peters, Founder Director, Dearman Engine Company, will explain how he secured vital funding for a pioneering powertrain project with Ricardo and give insight into what can be done to make the process easier for SMEs. Tony Harper will give the Jaguar Land Rover perspective outlining the company’s recent investment decisions and explain the changes that would increase the UKs appeal to global OEMs. The session will be joined by industry expert John Leech, Automotive Partner, KPMG LLP who will set the UK’s business environment in context with its European competitors, identifying areas where the UK can become more competitive, attracting global investment through supportive tax regimes and unleashing skills and talents from within the UK workforce.
Along with keynote speeches from Ian Robertson, BMW Board Member, Global Sales and Marketing, and Peter Tyroller, Board of Management, Robert Bosch GmbH, experienced heads from the world of automotive will be seated on the panels for streams one and three covering The Changing face of vehicle retail, supported by GForces Web Management and Growth in the supply chain, supported by KPMG LLP.
The demand for tickets at the Summit has been significant and all allocated tickets have now been sold. Anyone wishing to attend should e-mail summit@smmt.co.uk to be added to the waiting list for tickets that become available.
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.
