Our highly anticipated International Automotive Summit will return to the IET, London next Tuesday 27 June. Now in its 15th year, it has become an integral fixture in the automotive calendar, providing a unique opportunity for the industry, stakeholders and policymakers to come together for a day of unparalleled insight and discussion about emerging trends, technological advancements and the challenges facing what is one of the country’s most important sectors.
As automotive businesses, and indeed the wider economy, continue to face significant economic challenges – inflation, a cost-of-living crisis and, as we have seen again, rising interest rates, this year’s theme of industry resilience is particularly timely. Simultaneously, the sector is undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime industrial transition to zero emission technology, with one of the most ambitious timelines for market transformation anywhere in the world. To address both these challenges, we must remain globally competitive.
Despite the bleak economic backdrop, the sector is bucking wider trends with vehicle registrations and production up so far this year. Sustaining this momentum, however, needs a competitive business environment and pitch to the world, plus a strong domestic market.
The Summit always delivers a high-level selection of speakers and panellists, who will give their perspectives on the actions that need to happen. We are delighted to welcome Saul Resnick, UK&I Chief Executive of DHL Supply Chain to give a keynote address, with other industry keynotes given by Richard Kenworthy, Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK, and Chris Gall, Engineering Director, Alexander Dennis.
Julia Muir, Founder of the Automotive 30% Club; Richard Ballantyne OBE, Chief Executive at the British Ports Association; Andy Hamilton, Group Chief Executive Officer of LKQ Euro Car Parts; and Mark Raban, Chief Executive Officer of Lookers are just some of the other names on our stellar lineup.
I look forward to seeing many of you next week in person, thankfully with no rail strikes or Covid protocols to deal with.
