Trade mission
6-9 October 2026
Georgia and South Carolina, USA
SMMT is organising a trade mission to the southeastern US states of Georgia and South Carolina that will include meetings and events, including the Southern Automotive Conference, to help delegates understand the market and meet key stakeholders and local contacts throughout the region.
This trade mission is supported by stakeholders including the Department of Business and Trade, South Carolina Department of Commerce and Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association.
About the Southern Automotive Conference
The Southern Automotive Conference (SAC), now in it’s 19th year, is the South’s largest automotive manufacturing event which rotates annually between the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.
The event theme for 2026 is ‘Connected’, as the SAC showcases how the southern automotive industry leads the charge to embrace transformation, spark innovation and blaze a trail into the future.
OEM and Tier 1 suppliers taking part in the B2B matchmaking at the previous edition of SAC included Honda, Hyundia, Kasai, Mahle, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Polaris, Toyota and Volkswagen.
Attendees are guaranteed a minimum of 4 B2B appointments.
Georgia and South Carolina Automotive Overview
The “Battery Belt” of the USA
The Southeastern states have attracted over $90bn in EV and battery manufacturing investments since 2022, creating approximately 70,000 jobs.
An established, thriving automotive hub
- Dozens of major OEMs call the region home: BMW, BorgWarner, Bosch, Bridgestone, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Michelin, Scout, Volvo and ZF, amongst others.
- A flourishing network of Tier 1 and 2 suppliers are based in these states, supporting manufacturers and service providers.
- South Carolina is the top US state exporter of completed passenger vehicles, with 21% of the market share, as well as the country’s largest manufacturer and exporter of tyres, with 37% of the market share.
Key competitive advantages of the region
- Advantageous logistics capabilities, established infrastructure and resource availability.
- Major ports include the Port of Savannah and Port of Brunswick in Georgia and the Port of Charleston in South Carolina.
- Raw material resources including Lithium and Graphite available across the region.
A hub for EV innovation and manufacturing
- Georgia leverages business‑friendly policies to attract manufacturers including Rivian, SK Battery, Hyundai and Kia, with over $31bn invested since 2015.
- South Carolina ranks 1st in workforce employed (by %) by foreign‑owned companies, with more than 1,200 present in the state.
- The growth of South Carolina’s automotive industry highlights its role in shaping the future of the US automotive sector.
Why join the UK delegation?
The trade mission is for UK automotive companies, either with experience in the US or looking to explore this market for the first time.
- 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 and stakeholders
- 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 local stakeholders including South Carolina Department of Commerce and Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association.
Trade Mission programme and costs
The programme will include:
- Four-day visit arranged by SMMT
- Attend the Southern Automotive Conference
- B2B meetings and networking receptions
- Site visits
- Networking opportunities with OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers and support organisations
- Briefings from local stakeholders on the automotive landscape in Georgia and South Carolina
Click here for latest trade mission programme*
Cost:
£695 + VAT: SMMT member rate (1 attendee per company. Additional attendees can attend for £395 + VAT per attendee)
£895 + VAT: Non-SMMT member rate* (1 attendee per company. Additional attendees can attend for £595 + VAT per attendee)
*SMMT membership starts from £768 + VAT per year.
PLEASE NOTE: Costs relating to flights, hotels, some subsistence and travel to the start and from the finish of the trade mission programme will need to be covered by delegate companies. Travel during the trade mission is covered by SMMT as will some subsistence. SMMT will also recommend hotels.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
2025 UK Delegation Testimonials
“Really positive all round, thank you”
“Very well organised. An interesting mix of activities, meetings and attendees”
“The mission was very useful for gathering insights into the US market”
“Good market insight and networking”
“Provided a better insight into the US market and made some good contacts”
“I would highly recommend SMMT trade missions”
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the team regarding this trade mission, please email [email protected]
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