Long-standing credibility from ongoing activity and exposure in key markets, developing contacts and hosting events with overseas trade associations, chambers of commerce, government posts and inward investment organisations allow SMMT to add value for participating businesses:

• The best locations and stand space
• Additional meetings, networking and company visits
• Relationship building – camaraderie between UK companies
• Information and administration of subsidies from BIS and UKTI

SMMT frequently organises a ‘mission’ surrounding trade exhibitions.

Supply Chain Business opportunities Visit to Mexico 7-12 July 2013

EVS27 Barclenona 17-20 November 2013

Automechanika Shanghai 10-13 December 2013

Previous SMMT Missions Archive

2013 SMMT International Events

Download the latest news

The monthly International Bulletin is a great place to access latest news on international markets, upcoming events and business leads. The Bulletin is a free publication – click through to subscribe to the bulletin.

Recent bulletins

• January 2013
• February 2013

Read our international reports

The SMMT can offer all member companies an incisive and up-to-date analysis of the key global automotive markets. We make regular visits to both established and emerging markets, and, on the basis of their first-hand knowledge, can advise members on such issues as local industry trends and statistics, changes in legislation and regulations, and current business opportunities.

The reports are based on interviews with key contacts in the particular country from industry and government. It combines a detailed look at the vehicle assembly and component industries with a broader analysis of the economic factors, local market conditions and international trade agreements that are shaping the global today, and signposts where the best opportunities lie for UK-based companies. The SMMT reports are free for members, available at a small fee for non-members, the UKTI reports are free.

International reports – archive

• Brazil
• China
• Czech
• France
• Hungary
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Russia
• Slovakia
• South Africa
• South West China
• Turkey
• UK
• Vietnam

Join in, influence and network

SMMT manages number of international working groups that provide our members with a community of interest around significant industry topics. The aim of each group is to share knowledge, influence policy and build relationships across the industry and with government.

The Chair of each working group is elected by members.

Click on each working group for more information.

The International Business Group

The International Business Group provides a unique forum where companies, both large and small, can share knowledge of the latest developments in key automotive markets around the world.

The Design Engineering Group

This group’s aim is to enhance the competitive position of the entire UK design engineering sector, within the UK and internationally and to help inform the SMMT on the UK automotive and transport technology service industry.

The Customs and Tariffs Group

The Customs and Tariffs Group focuses on the rules and regulations that affect all companies involved in international trading.

The Personal Export Sales Group

The Personal Export Sales Group meets to exchange views and help inform SMMT on the export of vehicles from the UK for personal use.

Creating business growth opportunities throughout the world

Our aim is to develop international exposure and relationships that bring benefits to our members and maximize global business opportunities for SMMT members and the wider UK automotive industry. The below services are focused on helping UK companies with a desire to export, we also encourage and support foreign companies looking to invest into the UK through inward missions.

Our services are targeted at supporting your business. They include:

Events

Accumulated knowledge store and long-standing credibility from ongoing activity and exposure in key regions and markets, developing and maintaining contacts and hosting events with overseas trade associations, chambers of commerce, overseas posts and inward investment organisations mean participating in event with SMMT add value:

• The best locations and stand space
• Additional meetings, networking and company visits
• Relationship building – camaraderie between UK companies
• Information and administration of subsidies from BIS and UKTI

SMMT frequently organises a ‘mission’ surrounding trade exhibitions, view here.

Market Intelligence and Business Opportunities

• International Bulletin published monthly containing latest news, international market updates, upcoming events and business leads.
• Reports on emerging markets.
• Responding to incoming enquiries from Member companies providing information on auto overseas markets / territories.
• Recommendations and sign-posting of non-SMMT managed events: exhibitions, seminars, missions.
• Network of established information sources in automotive market providing access to market intelligence, market growth trends and direction, product and services requirements / gaps in target territory.

Facilitating Industry Collaboration

• Linking you into our international network with a matchmaking service for business growth activities such as joint ventures, outsourcing and R&D collaboration.
• Matchmaking assistance for partnering, joint venture, strategic alliance, outsourcing / off-shoring, technology exchange enquiries.
• Facilitating development of partnerships, joint ventures, relationships with international companies and discussion of common issues through our committees.

Further information

You can access all of these services by contacting us.

Access international presentations here.

To download the SMMT UK Pavilion Group 2013 exhibition and event dates click here.

Other useful trade support initiatives here

International funding and support

SMMT works closely with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and other government agencies that offer a range of funding opportunities and support aimed at enhancing UK business performance abroad.

SMMT is a key delivery partner for UKTI Automotive Sector Group. We are an Accredited Trade Organisation (ATO) providing contract delivery, project management and access to funding for inward and outward trade missions, overseas seminars, trade shows and exhibitions.

• Automotive Business Opportunities
• Key UKTI Contacts listing

SMMT can assist member access to a full range of UKTI support initiatives, whether that’s putting you in touch with the right person at UKTI for overseas advice, or helping you submit applications for funding. Relevant initiatives include:

• Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS): putting you directly in touch with UKTI staff in overseas offices.
• Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP): funding aimed at helping new exporters meet the cost of attendance at international exhibitions. To contact your local UKTI International Trade Team, details can be found by inputting your postcode on the export homepage of the UKTI website.
• Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS): a scheme to subsidise export market research.
• Export Communications Review Scheme (ECRS): a subsidised UKTI export communications review to help you evaluate how you are presenting the company to overseas customers.
• Targeted Export Support Scheme (TESS): designed to help certain companies access funding to support the development of their export strategy, usually over a 6-12 month period.
• Market Visit Support (MVS): business support through an International Trade Advisor for companies new to export or new to the markets of India, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
• Passport to Export: an assessment and skills-based programme that provides new and inexperienced exporters with training and ongoing support they need to succeed overseas.

Inward Missions and Investment

The UK automotive industry has seen £5.5bn of investment in the past 18 months and UK car production is expected to reach two million by 2015, beating the national record set in 1972. This would make Britain the second largest car producer on Europe.

SMMT encourages and supports overseas investment into the UK and the  international department focuses on both visits to foreign markets and inward missions organised in conjunction with overseas companies.

If you are interested in investing into the UK automotive sector, an SMMT mission is an excellent method of developing contacts and learning more about the UK industry. To enquire about how SMMT can help your company invest into the UK auto sector please contact internationaldept@smmt.co.uk

Useful Downloads:

• Statistics and analysis: UK Motor Industry Facts Book 2012
• News summary: UK Automotive Investments 2010 – 2012
• Presentation: ‘UK Automotive Scene’ delivered by David Croxson at Global Automotive Component Supplier Expo, Stuttgart. Presentation notes.
• Report: ‘Invest Now’ by Ian Henry, a detailed analysis of  how to invest in the UK auto sector and why now is the time.
• Government support: UKTI information and services

The current  dynamics of the UK sector:

• Seven volume car manufacturers.
• Eight commercial vehicle manufacturers.
• 11 bus and coach manufacturers.
• More than 10 niche and specialist vehicle manufacturers.
• Around 2,350 component manufacturers, ranging from large companies competing globally to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) actively involved in the UK supply chain.
• Eight Formula One teams and the largest concentration of motorsport firms found within Motorsport Valley located in the centre of the UK5.