Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

#SMMTSummit addresses some of the key issues for automotive; the industry roadmap for the net zero transition; how to improve the UK’s competitiveness and compete against fierce global competition; and the opportunities that will arise for businesses that seize the moment and innovate now for the future

The Chancellor is right to set out measures to address the deficit while investing for future growth. The automotive industry is a growth-driving sector, fundamental to the delivery of the country’s net zero ambitions. We therefore welcome today’s commitment of £2 billion of automotive transformation funding as part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy.   Delivering that strategy depends on the UK being globally competitive. Additional National Insurance Contributions will put massive pressure on the automotive supply chain which is predominantly SMEs. Next year’s spending review must find resources to fund measures that alleviate the strain on these companies and help them transition to an electrified future.   A strong manufacturing sector depends on a strong market. The lack of substantive measures to support the new car market – in particular for electrified vehicles – is hugely disappointing. We welcome the extension of the Plug-in Van Grant and company car tax benefits, but these alone cannot drive the growth in demand needed. With the sector challenged to deliver the world’s most ambitious EV transition targets, achievement of those targets is in serious doubt. There must be an urgent review of the market and regulation, else the cost will soon be felt in reduced UK investment, economic growth and jobs.

🚗📝 SMMT Drive to Thrive is offering UK automotive apprentices up to 44 hours of funded driving lessons, in partnership with Ben Automotive Industry Charity - with the aim to support young people from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds to gain the life-changing benefits of driving a car. Further details including the eligibility criteria and application form can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eHVcVrkf If the scheme could benefit someone in your organisation, please share it with colleagues and/or your HR department!

At the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) LGBTQ+ and Allies Workshop I spoke to Mike Orford from Volkswagen UK and asked about his views on how the automotive industry has become more accepting of people from diverse backgrounds throughout his career.

Drive On, LLC is energized to contribute to the SMMT mission of driving automotive innovation and transformation…

Drive On, LLC is energized to contribute to the SMMT mission of driving automotive innovation and transformation…

The auto sector remains Britain’s largest exporter of manufactured products, increasing its share of these exports to 13.9% in the first half of 2024 The value of these exports has remained consistently high, driven by global demand for premium UK-made electrified vehicles, which are worth roughly one and a half times more than ICE models smmt.co.uk/2024/10/automo…

While SMMT’s latest production figures show car output fell by a fifth in September, model changeovers and plant retooling for zero emission vehicle production largely account for the decline but point to longer term, greener growth. The industry has always been export-led, with the bulk of vehicles produced for global markets and, equally crucial to our trading success story, the value of these exports has remained consistently high given the increasing proportion of premium electrified models being produced. We can go further in the right direction by securing fresh inward investment in electrification and battery manufacturing, and the forthcoming Autumn Budget and Industrial Strategy are significant opportunities to do so. In particular, the investment set out in last year’s Advanced Manufacturing Plan must be reaffirmed, with additional measures that underpin the UK’s global competitiveness: increased access to affordable green energy, improved fair and tariff-free trade agreements with major and emerging markets, and support for the new skills transition that builds on the existing strengths of our workforce. More in this week's Update: https://lnkd.in/e9Gdr-a6

This week I’ve attended two forward thinking events, both on the top floors of Skyscrapers, firstly the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) LGBTQ+ and Allies Workshop in Birmingham in partnership with Shoosmiths and secondly The DFDS Partnership is Leadership: Electrifying UK Freight in London. The LGBTQ+ and Allies Workshop had 40 SMMT members attend to hear from industry speakers Amy Carter, Kate Thompson, Kasia Lipinska, Mike Orford and Shereen Johal as well as a training workshop from Queerify. The Partnership in Leadership event had DFDS announce the delivery of their first Electric HGV from Volvo Trucks UK with various speakers including Angus Webb, Chris Ashley, Isabella Panovic, Niklas Andersson and Roger Alm, I also had a chance to catch up with Natalie Chapman at the event. Earlier in the week, back on the ground, I popped into the Harris Maxus facility to catch up with Tony Close.

This week, I attended another fantastic Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) LGBTQ+ & Allies workshop. It was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with some familiar faces. It was an insightful day of panels, guest speakers, and a wonderfully delivered LGBTQ+ language workshop by Queerify. There were also some great breakout sessions to discuss the shared challenges in automotive.