SMMT International Update August 2025

Now’s the time to engage with global trade

Ruta Aisthorpe, Director of Global Operations and Partnerships, shares about upcoming activities for the August edition of the SMMT International Update.

As we move through July and August, the SMMT International team is focused on shaping the agenda for 2026. This planning period is the ideal time for UK automotive companies to get in touch – whether you are interested in exploring new markets or want to flag areas where you see untapped potential, we welcome your input.
 
Building resilience with strategic markets  
Looking ahead to this autumn, SMMT is delivering two high-impact trade missions to two of the world’s largest and most strategically important automotive markets: China and the USA. These activities are not just about market access – they’re about building resilience and strengthening global relationships at a time when international collaboration is more critical than ever.
 
Both missions reflect the UK Government’s industrial strategy goals of growing exports, supporting clean technology, and anchoring advanced manufacturing jobs here in the UK. By helping companies forge global ties, SMMT is working to ensure the UK remains a competitive player in the fast-evolving international automotive landscape.
 
What’s coming up in the autumn?
In September, therefore, we head to Wuhan and Hainan (24–27 September) to participate in the World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC). With site visits, CAM meetings and the Sino-UK Auto Forum, this mission – organised by the Department for Business and Trade and supported by SMMT – will help boost companies already active in the Chinese market and those exploring opportunities for the first time.
 
In October, we travel to Alabama and Tennessee (6–10 October) for a US supply chain-focused programme built around the Southern Automotive Conference. We are pleased to announce delegates will visit Nissan in Smyrna, TN, as well as join B2B meetings, and connect with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in a region home to major players including GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen.

If you would like to express interest in our international activities, fill in our simple international activities form.

Upcoming events:

24-27 September, China: Trade mission – World New Energy Vehicle Congress join the trade mission to Wuhan and Hainan organised by DBT and supported by SMMT

24-25 September, USA: Member offer – MOVE America SMMT members are entitled to either free or 50% discounted tickets (subject to qualification of company type), fill in the SMMT International Activities form if interested

6-9 October, USA: Trade mission – Southeastern EV supply chain join the trade mission to Alabama and Tennessee focusing on the EV Supply Chain

14-18 October, France: Trade show – Equip Auto Paris SMMT members receive an exclusive discount to exhibit

28-30 October, South Africa: Trade show – Automechanika Johannesburg an event support payment of £500 from Messe Frankfurt is on offer to UK companies

4-5 November, Czech Republic: Trade mission – CEE Automotive Supply Chain the programme includes a conference, B2B meetings and networking