Global leaders from across the automotive industry will gather for the SMMT’s annual International Automotive Summit in Canary Wharf on 12 June 2012, to debate and discuss some of the key issues affecting the sector today and in the future.
Ian Robertson, BMW Board Member, Global Sales and Marketing, and Peter Tyroller, Member of the Board of Robert Bosch GmbH, will deliver the industry keynote speeches, after which the Summit will break into three key streams.
The changing face of vehicle retail stream, supported by GForces Web Management, will call on leading opinion formers from two of the world’s most influential digital companies, Google and LinkedIn, to explain the way the online world is impacting every part of life – including buying a new car. Offering the retailer’s perspective will be Joe Doyle, CEO of franchised dealer group HR Owen, while senior representatives including Charles Peugeot, Sales Director, Citroen will set out how they plan to embrace the digital age, focusing on the challenge of virtual retail and low-carbon products.
Tim Smith, Commercial Director, GForces Web Management, said, “How consumers browse and buy cars has evolved. The rise of the internet and social media has driven over 90% of car buyers online to research their next purchase.”
Innovation in ultra-low carbon technology stream, supported by EDF Energy, sees senior international executives Barb Samardzich, Ford, Henry Winand, Intelligent Energy, Thierry Koskas, Renault, and Professor Wolfgang Steiger, Volkswagen Group debating the range of ultra-low carbon technologies that will continue the industry’s rapid progress in slashing CO2 emissions from new cars. Tony Harper, Jaguar Land Rover and representative of the Automotive Council Technology Group will discuss the future growth potential new technologies present to the UK before joining John Leech, Head of Automotive, KPMG LLP and Toby Peters, Dearman Engine Company, to examine how the UK can increase its global competitiveness and how SMEs can gain access to vital project funding.
Bethan Carver, Manager of B2C Product Development at EDF Energy said, “The electrification of transport will require the development of innovative technologies to enable motorists to maximise the cost and carbon saving potential of plug-in vehicles. Energy suppliers will play a key role in the development and deployment of these technologies and associated customer offers.”
In the final stream, procurement directors from some of the UK’s largest automotive manufacturers will deliver insight on future purchasing strategies, alongside skills training and funding experts, during a series of discussions around Growth in the supply chain, supported by KPMG LLP. Speakers include Christine Gaskell MBE, Bentley Motors, Mark Adams, Toyota Europe, David Allen and Ian Harnett, Jaguar Land Rover, Dave Cameron, Nissan, and Charlotte Barker and Stephen Roser, Aisin. Key contributions will also be made by Automotive Council Co-Chair, Richard Parry Jones, Julie Carroll, Unipart and SMMT Industry Forum CEO, Dr Chris Owen, as UK automotive debates the challenge of skills training and attracting talent into industry long-term.
Of particular interest to fast-developing firms in the supply chain, experts such as, Richard Hill, RBS, will explore finance options for smaller firms, while Nick Pascoe, CPT, will share his personal experiences. John Leech, Automotive Partner, KPMG LLP, said, “Automotive manufacturing is one of the most vibrant and dynamic parts of the UK economy with strong future growth prospects throughout the sector. The UK supply chain is in a position to benefit from recent investment but as international competition intensifies, getting a firm grip on key issues such as investment and skills will be crucial to longer term success.”
The demand for tickets at the Summit has been significant and all allocated tickets have now been sold. Those wishing to attend should e-mail summit@smmt.co.uk to be added to the waiting list for any tickets that become available.
To discuss advertising, exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, contact summit@smmt.co.uk (or call 0808 178 8818). The event will be held alongside the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, which runs 11-17 June.