SMMT in Germany mission for UK auto investment

25 July 2024  

Trade partnerships and international investment are among key priorities to boost the UK’s automotive sector, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes has said.

Hawes revealed the SMMT has already launched a “fresh focus” on ramping up trade relationships – hosting automotive representatives from Britain and Germany’s business departments in Berlin last week.

The Berlin trade mission was organised in partnership with SMMT’s counterparts, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Hawes said on July 19.

“From trade and industrial policy to the skills transition and automated vehicles, our two markets are intertwined and many of our challenges shared.

“By working together and sharing best practice, we can seek successful, sustainable solutions that deliver a new generation of mobility and prosperity in the UK and across the EU.”

Global summit

Hawes also welcomed the new UK government’s plans to go ahead with a global investment summit later this year.

“Putting our country front of mind for international investors is key, so renewing the UK’s global trade strategy… is important to that journey,” he said.

“A joined up, cross-sector strategy to secure economic stability, deliver clean and affordable energy, futureproof the national grid, reform skills and nurture trade partnerships will increase the UK’s appeal as a place to build, sell and drive the latest vehicle technology.”

He also called for a “nationally devised, locally delivered plan for EV infrastructure”, including an adequate number of charge points.

The SMMT said earlier this year, as reported by Aftermarket, that the government should help supercharge investment in skills for the UK automotive sector — which could be worth more than £50 billion annually to the aftermarket alone by 2030.