The SMMT International Automotive Summit offers an opportunity for attendees to connect with more than 300 senior leaders from across industry and government, and explore how global competition is shaping the future of the sector.
As the UK’s leading automotive conference bringing together policymakers, OEMs and supply chain leaders, this year’s event will again take place at the IET in London on 30 June between 8.30am and 4.15pm.
The Summit has become a fixture in the UK automotive calendar and one of its most high-profile corporate events, with the industry coming together to discuss the policy issues and opportunities impacting businesses and the sector as a whole.
This year’s programme will address some of the key issues including progress on the government’s evolving Industrial Strategy, the measures to support the sector’s growth, and the international context amidst increased competition and rising protectionism.
Another key area of discussion will be that of the supply chain, including the wider need for greater resilience, as well as innovation in products and processes.
Sessions will examine each of these topics through a combination of keynote speeches, panel discussions and interviews, all focused on how automotive can succeed in this fast-changing world.
Speakers will include senior executives from vehicle manufacturers, policymakers, and a host of content experts from the automotive and aligned industries.
INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy places the automotive industry at the forefront of its Advanced Manufacturing sector plan.
Supported by significant government commitments, it targets a massive transition to zero-emission vehicles, battery production, and connected autonomous mobility to boost business investment.
Important initiatives include the DRIVE35 Programme – a £2.5 billion, decade-long funding package to drive automotive investment, capital expenditure, and R&D for zero emission vehicle manufacturing.
Also, as part of an Automotive Support Package, more than £300 million is being allocated for specific projects, plus targeted measures to bolster skills and limit regulatory burdens across the supply chain.
In addition, major investments are actively supporting gigafactory infrastructure and boosting domestically built vehicle content.
SUPPLY CHAIN
The automotive sector faces pressures from geopolitical tensions, market volatility, rising operational costs and increasing regulatory obligations.
Suppliers are also managing skills shortages, customer expectations, localisation pressures and heightened cyber‑security risks, while transitioning their fleets to electric.
Future vehicle programme decisions will shape the UK’s manufacturing footprint, meaning a strong, competitive and resilient supply chain is essential.
BATTERY ELECTRIC TRUCKS
Leyland Trucks recently completed a £5.1m landmark initiative that will help accelerate the UK’s transition to zero-emission road transport.
Launched in 2023 in collaboration with the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), HSSMI and Expert Technologies Group, the two-year Zero Emissions Truck Testing Automation (ZETTA) project was backed by joint government and industry funding.
Through ZETTA, Leyland Trucks has expanded its EV production capabilities, with the capacity to deliver battery electric DAF trucks at greater scale.
Over the course of the project, the company has introduced two new advanced assembly lines for electric drive modules and high-voltage battery systems, while also automating key safety processes such as protective earth and leak testing, and the fitting of Main Service Disconnect (MSD) units.
The project also saw the digitisation of the 86-acre Leyland site, enabling new processes and equipment to be tested virtually before physical installation – a major step forward in reducing downtime and accelerating innovation.
In parallel, a detailed feasibility study into high-voltage battery pack assembly has created a clear roadmap for the next phase of development, ensuring Leyland Trucks is well positioned to scale as demand for zero-emission trucks grows.
By embedding advanced automation, safety, and digitalisation into BEV manufacturing, Leyland Trucks has reinforced its role as a leader in clean transport innovation.
One of the highlights of the summit from a commercial vehicle perspective will be the keynote speech from Phil Jones,Managing Director, Leyland Trucks.
Jones said: “ZETTA has been an important step forward for Leyland Trucks.
“By combining advanced automation with our manufacturing expertise, and working closely with our partners, we’ve strengthened our battery electric vehicle (BEV) production capabilities and created a solid foundation to meet future demand.”
SMMT International Automotive Summit 2026
Keynote speakers
. Lord (Daniel) Finkelstein OBE Associate Editor The Times
. Chris Giles Economics Editor, Financial Times
. Andrew Griffith MP Shadow Secretary of State for Business & Trade and Member of Parliament for Arundel & South Downs
. Phil Jones Managing Director, DAF – Leyland Trucks
. The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade
. Farrell Hsu Managing Director, Chery UK
. Karthik Selvan Chief Procurement Officer, Agratas
Panellists
. Laura Ayre Partner, Pinsent Masons (Moderator)
. Stephen Bennett UK Managing Director, KOSTAL Automobil Elektrik
. Carol Rose Burke CBE Managing Director, Unipart Manufacturing, Engineering & Design
. Creon Butler Director, Global Economy and Finance Programme, Chatham House
. Kelly Butler CEO – UK Cyber, Media & Technology, Marsh
. The Rt Hon Greg Clark Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC)
. Russell Codling Sales Director, Tata Steel UK
. David Hammersley Head of F&I and Compliance, National Franchised Dealers Association
. Michael Holland Chief of Staff – Product & Strategy, Wayve
. Kana Inagaki Industry Editor covering global autos, Financial Times (moderator)
. Dr Arman Kevric Head of Innovation, Bosch Mobility UK
. Sam Lowe Partner, Trade and Market Access, Flint Global
. Murray Paul External Affairs Director, JLR
. Ian Plummer Chief Customer Officer, Autotrader (Moderator)
. Konstanze Scharring Executive Director, Government and External Affairs, SMMT
. Brigadier Kieran Sheldon Head of Capability Plans, Ministry of Defence
. Jonathan Smart Partner. Mobility, Logistics & Manufacturing sector co-lead, Shoosmiths (Moderator)
. Adam Wood Managing Director Renault brand UK and Country Head, Renault Group UK
. David Wong Head of Technology and Innovation, SMMT (Moderator)We are currently operating a waiting list. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for a full‑day ticket or to attend the afternoon sessions (available at a discounted rate), please email us at [email protected]. For any information about the event, exhibition, and partnership opportunities, email [email protected]
