Leaders from some of the largest advanced automotive manufacturers and suppliers in the UK will gather today for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Regional Forum, hosted in Liverpool for the first time. The event, taking place at Rum Warehouse, aims to delve into how manufacturers can leverage the transition to zero emission mobility to stimulate new business opportunities that drive employment and economic expansion throughout the North West.
Having been a hub for automotive production for over a century, the region has attracted around £2.8 billion in investments since 2021, facilitating the transition of factories from producing combustion engines to electric vehicles and components.1 Major investments have been made by renowned global brands such as Bentley, Ford, JLR, and Stellantis, with the region now proudly hosting the UK’s largest all-electric manufacturing plant at Ellesmere Port, alongside ongoing transformations at factories in Halewood and Crewe.
The region’s strategic location provides easy access to ports and a substantial local talent pool. Recent analysis by SMMT highlights the North West’s crucial role in UK automotive manufacturing, with local firms directly employing approximately 20,000 individuals, supporting one out of every seven automotive workers in the UK. Moreover, the region contributed to one out of seven vehicles manufactured in the country last year, totaling over 140,000 units.2
Not only does a thriving automotive industry in the North West sustain jobs and livelihoods across the region, but also, given that a majority of vehicles produced in the area are earmarked for export, it significantly bolsters the broader UK economy given its integration with dependent sectors like hospitality, logistics, freight, and shipping.
Prior to the event, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, expressed,
Given the North West’s rich heritage in automotive manufacturing and its key position in the UK’s transition to zero emission transport, we are excited to host the SMMT Regional Forum in one of the region’s iconic cities. The substantial investments by global manufacturers in the area, transitioning their facilities to EV production, underscore the competitive edge and efficiency of the North West. In a fiercely competitive global landscape, no region can afford complacency, hence the SMMT event is tailored to address the strategies necessary to attract further investments to the region and create new business prospects for the myriad of innovative companies in the North West.
The SMMT Regional Forum agenda comprises two packed sessions featuring thought leaders from the industry such as Andreas Lehe, Board Member for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors; Lee Meyers, Plant Manager at Ford; Trevor Leeks, Operations Director at JLR; Peter Ahrens, Managing Director at Leyland Trucks; and Diane Miller, Plant Director at Stellantis. They will be accompanied by DHL, Adient, and Invest Liverpool to explore the optimal strategies to capitalize on the region’s evident competitive advantages for fostering more investments and economic growth.
Representing over 800 automotive companies in the UK spanning production, sales, supply chain, and aftermarket services, SMMT provides a platform for its members to articulate their concerns on pertinent industry issues, aiding firms in expanding their operations to enhance profitability and sustainability. Throughout the year, SMMT hosts major events like the SMMT Summit and Electrified, in addition to regional events across the UK. Members enjoy complimentary access to events and exclusive benefits, including access to industry insights, webinars, and intelligence not accessible elsewhere.
Businesses interested can access the full event agenda and register for the SMMT Regional Forum North West through the SMMT website.
1 SMMT estimates based on publicly disclosed investment commitments in UK automotive production and R&D
2 North West accounts for 20,000 out of 140,000 jobs – Data sourced from ONS NOMIS regional data for SIC29
SOURCE: SMMT
