UK Government scales-up support for small automotive businesses in 2020

• UK Government provides more support to automotive industry to encourage international trade and significantly lower vehicle emissions through an International Events Programme
• Programme aimed at helping British based innovators of low carbon technology remain competitive in the global race to reduce transport emissions by removing many of the obstacles associated with overseas business development activity
• The collaboration between international vehicle manufacturers, UK innovators and automotive SMEs is key to creating the enabling technologies which will make further advances in carbon-free propulsion a reality
• In addition to the UK Government’s £1 billion investment in research and development of low carbon technology through the Advanced Propulsion Centre

The UK Government is scaling up its support to the automotive industry by hosting more UK Pavilions than ever before at major trade exhibitions, helping British innovators to lead in the global race to reduce transport emissions. .

Organised through the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s (APC) International Event Programme, the UK Pavilions are part of the wider Road to Zero Strategy which outlines ambitions of a carbon-free future. The Programme is designed to help the UK become a world leader in the development and commercialisation of low carbon vehicle technology, promoting the best of British in key international markets – including Japan, USA and Europe.

Small businesses developing low carbon vehicle technologies could receive financial and logistical support – such as stand design, build and marketing – to promote their innovations on a global stage. Further support will be provided through the APC’s connection with the Department for International Trade to facilitate trade relations with key decision makers from vehicle manufacturers to Tier 1 suppliers.

Ian Constance, Chief Executive of the Advanced Propulsion Centre, said:

The collaboration between major vehicle manufacturers, UK innovators and automotive SMEs is key to creating the enabling technologies which will make a carbon-free future a reality. However, the cost to a business attending key events in the global automotive calendar can be in the region of £100,000+ once you factor in flights, hotel rooms, stand design and build. For small technology developers this can often be out of their reach and therefore can make engaging with potential customers, such as OEMs and suppliers, very difficult. The International Events Programme removes this barrier for entry, significantly subsidising the costs and putting innovators right in front of the biggest names in the business.

With the first UK Pavilion taking place in April, the Electric and Hybrid Battery Show, Stuttgart, there’s not long for businesses to register their interest.