I’m pleased to be joining SMMT as Commercial Vehicle and Bus & Coach Section Manager and, as you’ll know, at a time of sweeping change across both sectors. From my time in bus and coach engineering, decarbonisation and policy development, I’ve seen first-hand the value of stakeholder collaboration, connecting with people and fostering relationships to support business growth. I’m looking forward to getting out across the UK to meet manufacturers and suppliers in the weeks ahead, to work together in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing these ever-evolving sectors – on which much of our everyday lives depend upon.
In the spirit of collaboration and fostering relationships, what better way to begin my tenure at the SMMT than the UK’s flagship annual International Automotive Summit, which returned to London this week to discuss the latest UK and global industry issues amid increased competition, protectionist policies and supply chain disruption. Alongside the conference, SMMT’s latest State of the Automotive Nation report was published, setting out a growth blueprint for the incoming Prime Minister – for what is one of the UK’s most strategically important, high-value sectors.
There has been significant recent progress, including £4 billion DRIVE35 funding, action on industrial electricity costs through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), trade deals with the US, India and the GCC, and funding such as the Plug-in Truck and Van Grants, and the Depot Charging Scheme.
As our blueprint sets out, however, these gains must be backed going forward – chiefly with a review of the ZEV Mandate which, even more so for the van sector, remains significantly adrift of market reality. For the UK’s industrial competitiveness, meanwhile, a reset of UK-EU trade is essential, as is cutting energy and business costs – all of which shape investment decisions.
For SMMT members unable to attend the Summit in London, SMMT’s next Regional Forum takes place in Newport, South Wales on 9July. With a strong line-up of speakers already confirmed, the event offers senior automotive representatives another opportunity to collaborate – with regional industry growth a key part of delivering the UK’s broader, national ambitions. For more information or to sign up, visit SMMT’s event page here.
