Trade mission
6-10 October 2025
Alabama and Tennessee, USA
SMMT is organising a supply chain trade mission to the USA. The visit to Alabama and Tennessee will include meetings and events to help delegates understand the market and meet key players and local contacts.
- Four-day visit arranged by SMMT
- Attend Southern Automotive Conference with B2B meetings
- Visit OEM manufacturing sites
- Network with OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers and support organisations
- Price starts from £595+VAT
Manufacturers including General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen have manufacturing operations in the two states, supported by a comprehensive supply chain across the Southeast.
This visit is suitable for UK companies with the capability to do business in the highly competitive US market. The activities are supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
Whilst there are ongoing discussions on tariffs, the recently announced UK-US deal allows industry in the UK to approach the future positively. This visit offers an opportunity for companies to make contacts and develop understanding for doing business in the US at a time of transition and uncertainty.
If you are interested in joining the delegation, please fill out the expression of interest form.
Why join the UK delegation to the US?
The trade mission is for UK companies operating in the EV and wider supply chain, ideally with experience in the US but companies new to the market are welcome too.
- Market research – understand more about the Southeastern region and the opportunities for your company
- Networking – connect with US companies at the Southern Automotive Conference, and at networking events
- Raise your profile – SMMT will promote your company on our platforms and will introduce you to relevant organisations
- Value for money and access – cost is cheaper than visiting independently and you will visit manufacturing sites
- Support – support from SMMT, Department for Business and Trade and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
About the US Southeast automotive industry
The Southeastern US has grown into a major hub for EV and EV battery manufacturing. Of the $205 billion investments announced in the US EV industry, 38% has been in the Southeast region, according to a 2024 report on Transportation Electrification in the Southeast. Read more below:
Southeastern region a major hub for EV and EV battery manufacturing
‘Auto manufacturing is the lifeblood of Alabama’s economy’
‘Tennessee is the beating heart of the southern automotive corridor’
Trade mission programme
The programme is subject to change. There will be a mix of B2B meetings, site visits, networking and a conference giving delegates the chance to make the most of the visit. Read more about the proposed programme below:
Delegation visit programme
Cost
£595 + VAT (first delegate – SMMT member rate)
£395 + VAT (second delegate – SMMT member rate)
+£200 +VAT per delegate for SMMT non-members*
*SMMT membership starts from £768 + VAT per year. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, you will need to organise your own flights and hotels. SMMT will provide a list of recommended hotels.
The travel during the trade mission will be organised by SMMT.
Next steps
Fill out the expression of interest form and a member of the team will get back to you.
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