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 dedicated B2B matchmaking programme, with confirmed participants including Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, 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.
About the Southern Automotive Conference
The 19th Southern Automotive Conference, organised this year by the Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association (GAMA), is the South’s largest automotive manufacturing event which rotates annually between the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Delegates will take part in the B2B matchmaking event, attend the conference to hear key note speeches and panel discussions from senior leaders across the region and have an opportunity to network with exhibitors and other attendees throughout the show, including the welcome reception on the first evening of the event.
OEM and Tier suppliers that are confirmed to be taking part in the B2B matchmaking event are Honda, Hyundai, KIA, Mazda-Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Baxter Enterprises, Dee Zee, Mahle, Mitchell Plastics, Montaplast, Motus Integrated Technologies, OP Mobility, SMP/Motherson and WKW, with others still to be announced.
Attendees are guaranteed a minimum of 4 B2B appointments (booked by delegates directly on site on the day of the event).
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
- 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.
- Georgia leverages business‑friendly policies to attract manufacturers including Rivian, SK Battery, Hyundai and Kia, with over $31bn invested since 2015.
Georgia automotive factsheet – published by Georgia Department of Economic Development
South Carolina automotive factsheet – published by UpstateSCAlliance
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 provides access to key contacts and organisations in the region
- Support – support from SMMT, Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade and local stakeholders including South Carolina Department of Commerce and Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Trade Mission programme and costs
The programme will include:
- Four-day visit arranged by SMMT and supporting stakeholders*
- Attend the Southern Automotive Conference
- B2B meetings, networking reception, and curated dinner
- Site visits
- Networking opportunities with OEMs, suppliers and support organisations
- Briefings from local stakeholders on the automotive landscape in Georgia and South Carolina
Click here for latest trade mission programme
*Activity in South Carolina is being organised by the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Programme is subject to change.
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”
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 specialises in the manufacture and supply of engineered rubber and plastic components, seals and hoses for customers in Europe, Asia and America. They are a trusted supplier for our Tier 1 and 2 automotive customers and also serve many other markets including construction, domestic appliances, electronic control, aviation, motorsport, classic car, machinery, lighting and pumping systems.
Visit the AE Rubber (UK) Ltd Website for more information or follow them on LinkedIn.
Automotive Smart Grid
Automotive Smart Grid is a custom system designed and developed to implement the complex, automated and interactive control of a group of territorially dispersed electromechanical nodes joined by a single energy network. It consists of a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) and proprietary ECU hardware embedded with the ASG communication protocol. The technology is applicable not only in automotive, but also in aerospace and robotics.
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.
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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