Event News

Dramatic advances in car safety, fuel efficiency and comfort on show today as 40th SMMT Test Day celebrates evolution of the car.Unique display of 40 vehicles demonstrates vast range and diversity of cars on sale since 1979.

The extent British businesses depend on vans is revealed today by new research published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and management and technology consultancy, BearingPoint. Without a van, 3.4 million people – 10% of the UK’s workforce – would not be able to do their jobs, with an estimated 500,000 driving one as their main role.The report, Light Commercial Vehicles: Delivering for the UK Economy, highlights for the first time the vast economic and social contribution made by the 3.4 million UK van users and employees of businesses that depend on them.

UK world’s number one location for mass-market potential of connected and autonomous vehicles, with £62bn annual economic opportunity by 2030, finds new report. Massive safety benefits as driver assistance and self-driving tech could prevent 47,000 serious accidents and save 3,900 lives over next decade. Lifestyle boost for commuters as greater productivity and faster journeys give drivers back full working week every year.

New Armed Forces initiative, Mission Automotive, helps ex-military talent into new careers and plugs vital skills gaps in manufacturing, infrastructure and logistics. Led by Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, in partnership with The Royal Foundation, Society of Motor Manufacturers…

Three quarters of UK automotive firms warn of ‘no-deal’ Brexit catastrophe, finds new industry survey.
Half already hit by uncertainty, with one in five having lost business and a third cancelling or postponing UK investment decisions.
Impact on profitability, ability to win overseas business, investment in UK operations and workforce cuts cited as biggest ‘no deal’ concerns.
Withdrawal agreement offers breathing space to negotiate ambitious future relationship and frictionless trade – essential to safeguard UK automotive industry and jobs.

As threat of ‘no-deal’ continues, SMMT launches new Brexit Readiness Programme to help safeguard UK’s automotive supply chain as cliff-edge looms.
Initiative highlights contingency planning minefield, with changes to regulations, onerous customs processes, tariffs and restricted access to talent among complex challenges facing industry.
UK Automotive repeats call for orderly withdrawal and transition as risk to auto suppliers highlighted at SMMT Regional Forum Midlands.

Inaugural SMMT Automotive Quality Management Systems (AQMS) Conference to be held at the NEC, Birmingham, on 20 and 21 November 2018. Conference to cover key issues including new IATF 16949 certification, product safety and impact of Brexit on quality standards.…

Best of British companies to exhibit at largest international exhibition for the electric vehicle sector. UK pavilion to demonstrate British tech and innovation. Grant-funding available to help companies cover costs of attending an international trade show. Grant-funding available to help…

Comedian, writer and actress Katherine Ryan has been confirmed as the celebrity guest speaker for the 102nd Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Annual Dinner, to be held on Tuesday 27 November 2018 at Grosvenor House Hotel, London. Well…

Vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and technology innovators come together to discuss the future of the car and mobility at SMMT Open Forum – back for a third year at Automechanika Birmingham. Connected and autonomous technology, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing and flexible…