As the UK passenger car vehicle market continues its resurgence, the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) held its Open Forum at Worcester Warriors rugby club in the British Midlands. Simon Warburton took the pulse of the upbeat mood.
“As the SMMT, we are not resting on our laurels as people take advantage of the opportunities” – new SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
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“If you have a good enough argument, [UK] Treasury will listen,” UK Business Department automotive sector analyst, Phil Davies.
“We still think we will be burning gasoline and diesel, but we will be burning less of it,” Automotive Council Technology Group chairman, Jerry Hardcastle.
“For automotive industrial strategy, it is not just about working with government…and the SMMT – it is also the potential values that come from that” – Jaguar Land Rover purchasing risk and supply chain sustainability manager and Automotive Council Supply Chain Group member, Michael Mychajluk.
“If the past is a guide, the UK is a relatively safe bet,” Automotive Investment Organisation business development director, Will Harman.
“Suppliers want professional representation and a body that fights for their interests – a body that is supranational” – CLEPA CEO Jean-Marc Gales.
“The aerospace industry has been benchmarking us, saying we need an Automotive Council” – Automotive Council Technology Group chairman, Jerry Hardcastle.
“As we portray ourselves to the rest of the world – a stable and efficient workforce is essential and any evidence of strikes will be taken negatively” – purchasing risk and supply chain manager, Jaguar Land Rover and Automotive Council Supply Chain Group member, Michael Mychajluk.
“This [UK auto success] is opening a tremendous amount of opportunity for the entire industry. The government wants to make the most of this opportunity – the UK is the only market in western Europe that is up” – SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes.
“We have no reason to suppose there will be any particular shift” – [on UK automotive policy should the administration change at the next election] Business Department automotive sector analyst, Phil Davies,
