Trade mission
6-9 October 2026
Georgia and South Carolina, USA

Join SMMT’s trade mission to the southeastern US states of Georgia and South Carolina, supported by the Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade, South Carolina Department of Commerce and Georgia Department of Economic Development.

This mission will provide delegates with first-hand insight into the region’s automotive ecosystem and opportunities to build valuable business connections.

A key element of the programme is attendance at the Southern Automotive Conference, the region’s leading automotive industry event. Delegates will participate in a B2B matchmaking programme, with confirmed participants including Honda, Kia, Mazda North America, Mazda-Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.

The mission also includes market briefings, networking reception, a curated business dinner, site visits and meetings with key regional stakeholders. This will provide delegates with direct access to decision-makers and give practical insights into doing business in the Southeastern USA.

2026 delegates

Below are the details of the companies that have signed up to join this trade mission so far.

AE Rubber (UK) Ltd

AE Rubber (UK) Ltd is a trusted global partner to automotive OEMs and tier 1-N customers in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Delivering bespoke rubber, plastic and polyurethane components for demanding vehicle applications since 2010. These include mouldings, formed hoses, extrusions, seals, gaiters and hose assemblies. Our experienced team supports customers from concept and material selection through DFM, tooling, PPAP and production supply. AE Rubber (UK) Ltd combines technical expertise, flexible manufacturing and responsive service to support new platforms, ongoing programmes, and aftermarket requirements. It’s likely you travelled with one or more of our components today!

Visit the AE Rubber (UK) Ltd Website for more information or follow them on LinkedIn.

Automotive Smart Grid

Automotive Smart Grid (ASG) is an engineering company reinventing the electronic architecture of the modern vehicle. Today’s cars carry miles of wiring and dozens of separate control units; ASG replaces both with a single ring network and one shared vehicle state, updated every millisecond. The result is a lighter, simpler, more reliable architecture that cuts wiring and component costs while speeding up software development, built for the shift to software-defined vehicles. ASG’s team brings over two decades of automotive electronics experience, with technology proven alongside OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers internationally. ASG is a UK-incorporated R&D company now bringing this architecture to US manufacturers.

Visit the Automotive Smart Grid Website for more information or follow them on LinkedIn.

Intermotor Group Ltd

Intermotor Group is a UK based automotive manufacturer and supplier specializing in high-quality engine management, emissions, ignition and fueling components for the automotive OE/OES/Tier 1 and Aftermarket sectors. With manufacturing facilities in the UK and Poland, Intermotor Group combines engineering expertise, product quality, strong technical knowledge and global supply capability to support customers across North America, UK, Europe, Oceania and international markets.

Visit the Intermotor Group Ltd Website for more information or follow them on LinkedIn.

NexusIIAuto

Nexus Industrial Innovation Advisory Ltd (NexusIIAuto) is a London-based Tier 1 automotive supplier helping localise EV component supply chains across the UK, Europe and North America. With 20 years’ experience supplying Geely Holding Group in China, our IATF 16949:2016-certified facility produces approximately 3 million stamped parts monthly across more than 1,000 part types for leading EV brands, including Zeekr, Lynk & Co and Geely Auto. Our portfolio covers battery housings, body structures, chassis and suspension, and powertrain components. Combining UK-based accountability with proven manufacturing scale, we deliver cost-competitive production, supply-chain resilience and a commitment to excellence and zero defects.

Visit the NexusIIAuto Website for more information or follow them on LinkedIn.

Pryor Technology

Pryor Marking Technology is a world leader in the manufacture and design of marking, identification and traceability solutions. Founded in 1849, the company’s success is built on providing solutions for all manufacturing industries, with extensive expertise in aerospace and automotive standards. Today, with in-house electrical, mechanical and software development, the company is able to offer full turnkey solutions for all sizes of industrial application, integrating robotics, machine vision and automation. Operating from sites in the UK, USA, and France, Pryor serves an extensive customer base, supported by a comprehensive distributor network in over 50 countries across the globe.

Visit the Pryor Technology Website for more information or follow them on LinkedIn.

Sealey

Founded in 1978 the SEALEY™ name now has a global reputation for Innovation, Quality and Aftersales Service. 100% Family owned and run, here you will find one of the world’s largest ranges of tools and workshop essentials, backed up by total compliance testing, unparalleled aftersales service, parts availability, and extended guarantees. Of specific interest to our SMMT contacts will be our quality range of time saving vehicle service tools. Working through a global network in over 65 countries Sealey supports its overseas distributors with extensive marketing support. Our experienced export team has deep knowledge of logistics to ensure consignments reach their destination as promptly and smoothly as possible.

Visit the Sealey Website for more information or follow them on LinkedIn.

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the team regarding this trade mission, please email [email protected]