SMMT has published its post-event report following the 2012 International Automotive Summit in June. Keynote speeches from some of the biggest names in the business concurred that the dark days of 2008 had been tough, but the hard work and flexibility of the industry had revived its fortunes. However, in order for growth to be sustained, all players will need to continue to adapt.
Three separate streams ran throughout the day, each taking a closer look from different viewpoints at where the UK industry is now, and what it can do to better itself.
‘The Changing Face of Retail’ stream set out to assess the modern consumer, and how the global market is changing. The digital age is changing the way people look at and purchase their cars, something the industry needs to be prepared for. A predicted increase in urban living across the globe will also have an effect on the choices consumers make.
Stream two, ‘Innovation in Ultra-Low Carbon Technology’ delved deeper into the diversification of powertrains in the modern age. As electric vehicles, hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells dominate the low carbon news headlines today, experts considered how prominent they will be in future society and how the consumer will adapt to them.
Finally, ‘Growth in the Supply Chain’ focused on how the UK can take maximum advantage of recent investments, and considered best practices for improvement. While the UK can boast some of the finest design and engineering teams in the world, new and emerging talent hasn’t always been sought so effectively. Leading industry figures met to discuss bridging this skills gap and how best to ensure strong financial investment for the future.
Click through to download the post-event report from the 2012 SMMT International Automotive Summit.
