Wrapping up a busy year of overseas activity
Ruta Aisthorpe, Director of Global Operations and Partnerships, shares about international activities for the December edition of the SMMT International Update.
This comes at the end of a busy year for SMMT International in which we have supported 125+ UK automotive companies across a wide range of trade missions and activities in Thailand, China, the USA, Türkiye, France, India and the Czech Republic – helping businesses explore new markets, meet buyers and understand fast-changing policy and technology landscapes. Looking ahead to 2026, we are already preparing for our next mission to India in January, as we continue to open doors for UK companies in high-growth markets.
Having been active in South East Asia this year, we are deeply saddened to hear about the floods and loss of life across the region. Our thoughts are with all those affected during this difficult time.
My latest trip to Indonesia, scoping business opportunities and attending Mobility Live Indonesia 2025 in Jakarta, I was struck by how fast the market is moving to electrification. Indonesia is now ASEAN’s second-largest automotive manufacturing base after Thailand, and is positioning itself as a key EV hub. Electric motorcycles have already passed 100,000 units sold in 2024, with TransJakarta operating around 300 electric buses and planning to expand its fleet and fully electrify by 2030. There is also strong momentum from regional players, with brands like BYD and VinFast scaling up charging and vehicle investment – all of which presents partnership opportunities for UK exporters in EV components, charging infrastructure, safety technologies, data and service providers. Our full report is available by getting in touch with the International team.
In the meantime, the team wishes you all the best for the festive season and we look forward to working with you in 2026.
Upcoming events:
28-30 January, India: Trade show: Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) one of India’s premier technology events, register your interest to join DBT and SMMT activity at the event
5-7 February, India: ACMA Automechanika New Delhi an event support payment of £500 from Messe Frankfurt is on offer to UK companies
8-12 September, Germany: Automechanika Frankfurt SMMT is organising the UK Pavilion at the largest international trade exhibition for the automotive aftermarket industry in Europe
TBC, Türkiye: Trade mission Türkiye SMMT is considering activity in Türkiye, with a strong automotive manufacturing industry and over 1.3 million vehicles manufactured in 2024, there is strong potential opportunity for UK companies.
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