As one of the UK’s largest and most influential trade associations, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) plays a pivotal role in supporting and promoting the interests of the UK automotive industry both domestically and globally. For the past 16 years, the SMMT has hosted the International Automotive Summit, an event focused on the evolving automotive landscape. This year’s Summit, titled “The Future of Mobility”, was held at the IET London: Savoy Place, featuring renowned keynote speakers and industry leaders, with the HBPR team in attendance to support with client stories and panel placement.
The agenda centred around critical topics shaping the industry’s future:
- The industry roadmap for the net zero transition
- How to improve the UK’s competitiveness, in order to engage with fierce global industry competition
- The opportunities that will arise from businesses that seize the moment and innovate now for the future
This Summit serves as a crucial platform for industry stakeholders to engage with national and international policymakers, particularly significant amid the impending UK General Election and net zero targets.
HBPR worked closely with the SMMT, securing Bruno Lambert, CEO and Co-Founder of fleet electrification provider, B–ON, as a panellist in the panel entitled “Progress towards Net Zero adoption in the commercial vehicle sector”. Established in 2020, B–ON specialises in fleet electrification, aiming to simplify the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for last mile delivery, boosting productivity with its range of purpose-built electric vans and tools, including the new Pelkan electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV). Featuring competitive attributes such as a battery range of 226 – 279 km (depending on whether it be the 43 or 54 kWh model), and a class-leading payload of over 1,300 kg, all while being at an affordable price point.
The event commenced with remarks from revered journalist and renowned BBC presenter, Justin Webb, who posed the poignant question framing the day’s discussions: “What is realistic about the future relationship with Europe?”. Post-Brexit, the UK automotive sector faces unprecedented challenges navigating political landscapes, economic factors, and impending net zero targets – crucially reliant on European trade and manufacturing capabilities.
According to the SMMT’s 2023 Automotive Trade Report, securing free and fair trade with Europe is paramount for the industry’s sustainability. SMMT’s Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, stressed the urgency of growth through accessible zero-emission mobility, championing British-made products globally, fostering green skills and ensuring clean energy sources. View his introduction to the SMMT Summit here.
The event started with a fireside chat with Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, who emphasised the imperative of decarbonisation timing and technology quality to meet net zero goals; crucial for smaller manufacturers facing substantial transition challenges in comparison to their larger counterparts.
A highlight of the Summit was the panel on “Progress towards Net Zero adoption in passenger vehicles”, featuring top executives Ashley Andrew (Hyundai and Genesis UK), Erin Baker (Auto Trader), Gerry Ross (Allianz Insurance), Vicky Reed (Charge UK), and Maria Grazia Davino (Stellantis UK), moderated by Chris Pritchett (Shoosmiths). These field specialists discussed the importance of public education, the UK’s charging infrastructure, stable policies and governmental support, and the growing market for used EVs. Motoring journalist and presenter Erin Baker, highlighted how falling prices and increased accessibility of used EVs could drive broader adoption, while Ashley Andrew underscored Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Later, the Zero Emission Commercial Vehicles panel featured Bruno Lambert (B–ON), Jonathan Atkinson (Cummins) and Peter Ahrens (Leyland Trucks). Lambert, whose company announced its joint venture with Chinese auto giant, Chery Commercial Vehicle, early this year, discussed the need for international cooperation to remain competitive, stressing the importance of working with Chinese manufacturers. Offering price-competitive products is a critical factor for the fleet and commercial industry, especially those whose focus is on consumers who strive to secure maximum productivity, profitability and optimum total cost of ownership (TCO).
Throughout the Summit, keynote such as Anna Westerberg (Volvo Buses) and David Moss (Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK), underscored the necessity of governmental cooperation to achieve net zero targets. Once again, there were calls for a mass expansion of charging infrastructure, and comprehensive consumer education on EVs, including charging logistics and battery lifespans. Erin Baker further advocated for the benefits of not only providing EV education, but tailoring efforts to specific demographics, such as women, individuals with accessibility issues, and minorities, to widen EV adoption.
The Summit concluded with a unified call for UK government and industry collaboration to secure success in decarbonisation in the automotive industry. Emphasis from all speakers was placed upon collaboration, focus concentrated on the enhancement of charging infrastructure, providing better incentives for mass EV adoption in the passenger and commercial vehicle sectors, and recognition and support for technological advancements (an area in which the UK thrives, due to the large amount of engineering talent, and automotive history here).
Overall, the Summit highlighted significant progress in EV research and development and the potential for future advancements, such as hydrogen fuel cells, and cost-effective, fully electric eLCVs, like B–ON’s new Pelkan. The unwavering message was that it is imperative for the UK’s government and policymakers to support the British automotive industry in achieving its sustainability goals. Something that we at HBPR can also get behind.
At HBPR, we are passionate about ensuring the UK automotive industry becomes as sustainable as possible, allowing us to enjoy both our vehicles and the planet for years to come. We encourage innovative solutions and strive to extend the reach of technological and ecological advancements within the industry. If you have any questions about our work, the industry, automotive sustainability, would like to collaborate, or are looking for PR support in any aspect of the automotive sector, please do get in touch at hannah@hannahburgess.com. Our door is always open.