Event News

SMMT Regional Forum brings together automotive businesses to assess current challenges and new opportunities for sectoral growth in the area. Speakers including Vauxhall Motors and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) join 200 industry leaders from vehicle manufacturers and…

SMMT assembles leading automotive brands and innovative start-ups for its annual Future Mobility Challenge to encourage collaboration with and within the sector. Over 40 companies from nine different countries are pitching for opportunities including mentoring, ideas incubation and investment, piloting,…

Comedian, actor and writer Al Murray has been confirmed as the celebrity guest speaker for the 103rd SMMT Annual Dinner, to be held on Tuesday 26 November 2019 at Grosvenor House Hotel, London. Well known for his chat show, Al…

UK automotive supply chain plugs in to electrification opportunities at SMMT Open Forum.

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.