SMMT is organising a supply chain trade mission to the USA. The visit to Alabama and Tennessee will include meetings and events to help delegates understand the market and meet key players and local contacts.

• Four-day visit arranged by SMMT
• Attend Southern Automotive Conference with B2B meetings
• Visit OEM manufacturing sites
• Network with OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers and support organisations
• Price starts from £595+VAT

Manufacturers including General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen have manufacturing operations in the two states, supported by a comprehensive supply chain across the Southeast.

This visit is suitable for UK companies with the capability to do business in the highly competitive US market. The activities are supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Whilst there are ongoing discussions on tariffs, the recently announced UK-US deal allows industry in the UK to approach the future positively. This visit offers an opportunity for companies to make contacts and develop understanding for doing business in the US at a time of transition and uncertainty.

If you are interested in joining the delegation, please fill out the expression of interest form.

Why join the UK delegation to the US?

The trade mission is for UK companies operating in the EV and wider supply chain, ideally with experience in the US but companies new to the market are welcome too.

• 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
• Value for money and access – cost is cheaper than visiting independently and you will visit manufacturing sites
• Support – support from SMMT, Department for Business and Trade and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
  

About the US Southeast automotive industry

The Southeastern US has grown into a major hub for EV and EV battery manufacturing. Of the $205 billion investments announced in the US EV industry, 38% has been in the Southeast region, according to a 2024 report on Transportation Electrification in the Southeast. Read more below:

Trade mission programme

The programme is subject to change. There will be a mix of B2B meetings, site visits, networking and a conference giving delegates the chance to make the most of the visit. Read more about the proposed programme below:

Cost

£595 + VAT (first delegate – SMMT member rate)

£395 + VAT (second delegate – SMMT member rate)

+£200 +VAT per delegate for SMMT non-members*

*SMMT membership starts from £768 + VAT per year. Contact international@smmt.co.uk for more information.

Please note, you will need to organise your own flights and hotels. SMMT will provide a list of recommended hotels.

The travel during the trade mission will be organised by SMMT.

Next steps

Fill out the expression of interest form and a member of the team will get back to you.

The post USA: Southeastern EV supply chain appeared first on SMMT.

Join the UK delegation to Czech Republic to explore the supply chain opportunities for British automotive businesses in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region.

• B2B meetings
• CEE Automotive Supply Chain conference
• Networking
• Profile raising
• Market research

About the Czech Automotive Industry

Czech Republic has a strong automotive industry with over 1.45 million cars and commercial vehicles produced in 2024 – up from 1.2 million in 2022. The country has a powerful network of OEMs and Tier 1/2/3 suppliers:

• OEMs Škoda Auto, Toyota, Hyundai, Tatra (trucks) and IVECO (buses) with both Škoda and Hyundai producing EV models

• Tier 1 suppliers present include Bosch, Continental AG,Denso (Liberec), Magna International, Lear Corporation, Brano Group, Motorpal a.s., Valeo and ZF

The automotive industry is a key driver of the Czech economy, accounting for 9% of GDP, 26% of manufacturing and nearly a quarter of Czech exports. Approximately 20% of all private investments in R&D are focused on the mobility sector. 2024 saw U.S. chipmaker Onsemi invest up to $2 billion focusing on intelligent power semiconductors.

The Czech Republic’s strategic location is significant when UK companies are looking at the opportunities as it also offers fast access to neighbouring strong automotive markets Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland and the wider Central and Eastern European region.

Why join the UK delegation to Czech Republic?

The trade mission is for UK companies operating in the supply chain, for companies new to or experienced in doing business in the CEE region.

• Market research – understand more about the CEE region and the opportunities for your company at the CEE Automotive Supply Chain conference
• Networking – connect with companies at the CEE Automotive Supply Chain Forum
• Raise your profile – SMMT will promote your company on our platforms and at the event, and introduce you to relevant organisations
• Value for money and access – the UK delegation get added extras such as introductions to relevant organisations, UK stand and promotional opportunities compared to visiting independently
• Support – support from SMMT in the lead up and during the event

Trade mission programme

The programme is subject to change.

• 3 November: Arrive to Prague for British Embassy briefing, travel to Olomouc (PM)
• 4 November: CEE Automotive Supply Chain conference (agenda) and evening networking reception
• 5 November: B2B meetings at CEE Automotive Supply Chain event

Cost

£495 +VAT (first delegate – SMMT member rate)
£695 +VAT (first delegate – non-member rate*)
£395 + VAT (second delegate)

*SMMT membership starts from £768 + VAT per year. Contact international@smmt.co.uk for more information.

Please note, you will need to organise your own flights and hotels. The conference is located in the following hotel:
https://www.nh-hotels.com/en/event/autosap-2025

Next steps

Fill out the expression of interest form and a member of the team will get back to you.

The post Czech Republic: CEE Automotive Supply Chain appeared first on SMMT.

SMMT is pleased to support Equip Auto 2025 in Paris this October for its 50th anniversary. Equip Auto is the international trade show for the automotive industry, aftermarket and services sector in France.

Opportunities available for SMMT members are:

• SMMT dinner, Thursday 16 October – Join us for an exclusive dinner we’ll be hosting to bring together key stakeholders and SMMT members attending or exhibiting at the show.
• Exhibitor discount: An exclusive discount code is available for SMMT members to exhibit, an unmissable event for the industry. Further details below.

Click below to express interest in either of these opportunities.

The post France: Equip Auto 2025 appeared first on SMMT.

Event overview

The 10th Automechanika Johannesburg will take place on 28 – 30 October 2025.

South Africa’s leading international trade fair for the automotive service industry targeting trade visitors from the Sub-Saharan Region. The 2024 edition of the show attracted 250 exhibitors from 15 countries.

SMMT has engaged with Messe Frankfurt to provide an Event Support Payment of £500 to UK companies visiting Automechanika Johannesburg. Please see full terms and conditions below.

The post South Africa: Automechanika Johannesburg appeared first on SMMT.

It’s often presented like an unsolvable dichotomy. But it’s not. Reaching Europe’s 2030 targets is not about choosing public or active transport over cars, but about integrating both into a smarter, cleaner, more accessible mobility ecosystem. Solutions are there: electric vehicles (EVs), car sharing and carpooling, self-driving vehicles for commercial ride-hailing, shuttle, and bus services, or MaaS models are being increasingly adopted in cities, redefining urban mobility. So, how to recentre the debate to support these new mobility behaviours for a better life?

Despite little progress in the reduction of emissions in recent decades, transport still accounts for around one-fifth of global CO₂. In fact, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), emissions from global road transport are expected to peak this year, reaching approximately nine gigatons.

This poses substantial risks to both the environment, and the economy as high levels of pollution have been linked to poor health, lower cognitive development, and educational attainment, as well as lower productivity.

As a result, decarbonisation, electrification and the use or renewable energy as well as digitalisation and the introduction of smart technologies have turned into priorities, particularly in urban areas, where the elephant in the room is still the private vehicle.

Spain, the second-largest vehicle producer in Europe (after Germany) and ninth worldwide, has set a goal of reaching five million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 — and for now, it appears to be on the right track. According to the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC, in Spanish), sales of electrified passenger cars (BEVs and PHEVs) reached 21,002 units in July 2025, marking a 155% increase compared to the same month last year and accounting for 21.4% of the monthly market share.

This surge in EVs sales combined with the introduction of low-emission zones is starting to show positive results. A study conducted by professors at IESE Business School estimates that the introduction of low-emissions zones (LEZ) in Madrid has led to 73 fewer premature/low-birth-weight births per year, as well as 300 fewer respiratory hospital admissions, 319 fewer cardiovascular admissions, annual medical savings of €3.4 million and 88 lives saved. Equally, in Barcelona, where the Ring Roads LEZ includes a protected area of over 95 km2, 2024 was the second year in which the European pollution limits were met at all measuring stations, substantially improving air quality.

These are clearly important societal benefits. However, the IESE paper also acknowledges that these measures need to be combined with initiatives to protect retail businesses and SMEs, as well as more effective public transportation options.

Overall, the mobility conundrum is far from being solved as in both Spain and across Europe EV adoption and fleet turnover remain well below what is needed to meet both 2030 and 2050 targets. Rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, more affordable EV models, stronger demand incentives, and urban mobility policies will be critical.

The upcoming Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress, co-organized by EIT Urban Mobility and Fira de Barcelona, will address all these challenges by gathering the world’s top experts to find solutions and help transforming the way we move not only in Spain but throughout the planet.

The event, to be held 4-6 November in Barcelona, alongside Smart City Expo World Congress, Tomorrow.Building World Congress, and Tomorrow.BlueEconomy World Congress addresses the most pressing challenges for a better future. Altogether, the shows are expected to gather over 1,000 exhibitors –including companies, cities, governments, and institutions–, more than 600 international experts, and over 25,000 attendees.

The first quarter of this century –the Century of Cities– has shown us what’s possible when vision meets action. Now governments, city planners, and transportation authorities must collaborate with private enterprises, researchers, and the community to bring about the necessary changes, achieve sustainable mobility and fight for a better world.

It’s no longer a question of when, but of how. THE TIME FOR CITIES is here—and it’s ours to shape.

The post Catalonia: Moving better is about choosing smarter appeared first on SMMT.

Event overview

ACMA Automechanika New Delhi is India’s leading international trade fair for the automotive service industry. The last edition welcomed over 500 exhibitors and 27,000+ visitors.

SMMT has engaged with Messe Frankfurt to provide an Event Support Payment of £500 to UK companies visiting ACMA Automechanika New Delhi. The terms for the payment are:

• Only companies with a UK registration and VAT number are eligible

• £500 offer is per company, not number of individuals

• Delegates must attend the ACMA Automechanika New Delhi show

• £500 will be paid after the event and on submission of a feedback form

• Registration is required through SMMT

Next steps

Fill out the expression of interest form and a member of team will be in touch.

The post India: ACMA Automechanika New Delhi appeared first on SMMT.

SMMT is pleased to support the UK Pavilion organised by the Advanced Propulsion Centre at the Battery Show North America – providing an unparalleled opportunity to source the latest design, production, and manufacturing solutions from across the battery supply chain, including battery systems, materials, components, testing, and recycling.

Joining on the UK Pavilion is an excellent way to expand your business in the American automotive sector with multiple networking opportunities and increase of brand awareness.

Contact us to find out more or fill out the expression of interest form.

The post USA: Battery Show North America appeared first on SMMT.

SMMT and the Department for Business and Trade have organised a trade mission to the World New Energy Vehicle Congress.

Programme

The programme is subject to change:

• Wed 24 Sep: Delegates to arrive in Wuhan
• Thu 25 Sep: Dongfeng visit and other meetings
• Fri 26 Sep: AM –  Wuhan – CAM meeting / autonomous taxi ride PM – fly to Haikou
• Sat 27 Sep: AM – Sino UK Auto Forum at WNEVC PM – Depart Haikou or optionally stay on for WNEVC sessions

Please contact us  if you have any questions.

The post China: World New Energy Vehicle Congress appeared first on SMMT.

Trade show
8-12 September 2026
Frankfurt, Germany

SMMT is currently taking expressions of interest from UK businesses interested in exhibiting on the UK Pavilion at Automechanika Frankfurt 2026.

Automechanika Frankfurt is the largest international trade exhibition for the automotive aftermarket industry in Europe. The 2024 edition had 107,000+ visitors and 4,100+ exhibitors from 76 countries.

SMMT will be organising the UK pavilion in Hall 5.1, giving UK companies an opportunity to exhibit and be supported by SMMT together with other automotive stakeholders from the UK.

2024 Exhibitors

Contact

Please contact international@smmt.co.uk if you have any questions.

The post Germany: Automechanika Frankfurt 2026 appeared first on SMMT.