Opportunity Auto
Opportunity Auto is SMMT’s campaign highlighting the UK’s status as one of the world’s most compelling destinations for automotive investment.
About the campaign
Opportunity Auto is SMMT’s campaign highlighting the UK’s status as one of the world’s most compelling destinations for automotive investment.
It brings together the scale, strengths and future potential of the UK automotive sector – from world‑class manufacturing and R&D to open global markets, strong government backing and accelerating zero‑emission and automated mobility transitions.
At the heart of Opportunity Auto sits the UK Automotive Investment Prospectus, which provides the evidence, data and strategic context underpinning the campaign. Together, the campaign and prospectus make the case for why the UK is not only open for business, but built for long‑term growth in next‑generation mobility.
In a period of profound global change for the automotive industry, Opportunity Auto positions the UK at the forefront of sustainable, connected and high‑value mobility – and signposts how investors can engage, invest and grow.
UK Automotive Investment prospectus
The UK Automotive Investment Prospectus sets out why the UK is one of the most attractive destinations for automotive investment. It brings together insight on market scale, supply chain opportunity and future mobility technologies to demonstrate the breadth of commercial potential across vehicle manufacturing, batteries, power electronics, software, advanced materials and the aftermarket.
Through data, analysis and strategic context, the Prospectus shows how the UK offers a stable, competitive and long‑term environment for zero‑emission, connected and automated vehicle investment, underpinned by strong government support, open markets and global trade access.
Why invest in UK automotive?
A market built for growth
- A £92bn turnover industry and one of the UK’s most valuable export sectors
- £110bn+ in annual automotive trade, exporting to over 140 countries
- Target of 1.3 million vehicles produced annually by 2035
- A £50bn return opportunity from the zero emission transition by 2035
A global investment hub
- 100+ Free Trade Agreements covering around 60% of global GDP
- Europe’s second largest EV market by volume, and the largest major market by share
- An open, competitive domestic market that actively welcomes new brands and technologies
Leading sustainable mobility
- Nearly one in four new cars sold in the UK is now battery electric
- Rapidly scaling battery manufacturing and supply chain capability
- Low-carbon electricity mix, giving UK-built vehicles and batteries a carbon advantage
Driving the future of mobility
- 23 dedicated automotive R&D centres and globally recognised universities
- £4bn government-backed DRIVE35 programme supporting advanced manufacturing and ZEV development
- A connected and automated mobility market forecast to be worth £24bn by 2040
- World-leading legislation for self-driving vehicles, with full approval expected by 2027
Funding opportunities
Through Opportunity Auto, businesses can explore a wide range of UK funding schemes, incentives and partnership opportunities designed to support investment, innovation and growth across the automotive sector.
From supply chain expansion and advanced manufacturing to zero‑emission technologies and R&D, this page brings together the key routes to funding and shows how companies can get involved.
apply to join
SMMT’s comprehensive membership base covers every aspect of the automotive industry, from vehicles to components, trailers to aftermarket; and from large global corporations to small and medium enterprises. The scope of interest of our members also varies dramatically, ranging from direct, partial or indirect involvement in the manufacturing of vehicles and components, to design engineering and distribution, and a variety of other services aligned to the industry.
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