A major event to showcase and celebrate the achievements of the UK Automotive Sector will take place on August 19, 2021 created by the organisers of the British Motor Show in association with two major automotive bodies – the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and the Guild of Motoring Writers (GOMW).
The National Automotive Industry Day will take place on the first day of the international motor show and will bring together members of the industry from the shop floor to the boardroom in a series of keynote presentations, workshops and events aimed at raising awareness of the sector, its careers opportunities and its importance to the UK economy as it emerges stronger and more resilient from the COVID-19 crisis.
The day will feature workshops and keynote speakers from high profile automotive organisations including the IMI, The FLA, Thatcham Research and major UK manufacturers, retailers and specialists.
It will also including a media and trade reception and the opportunity for press and trade to test drive the latest vehicles.
The National Automotive Industry Day is also offering those in the industry the opportunity to meet and network at a major automotive event in the absence of other large shows in late 2020 and early 2021, following the cancellation of both the Paris and Geneva expos.
Many movers and shakers in the industry would normally use the Geneva Motor Show as their annual opportunity to catch-up, network and see the latest cars but in the absence of the event in 2021, the British Motor Show is stepping up to help offer the global car industry a place to gather whilst also showing off the UK automotive industry to the world.
The day will comprise of a series of keynote speakers from industry leaders, manufacturers and UK government, plus exclusive new product releases, specialist suppliers and a series guest panels.
“There has never been anything like this in the UK before and the organisers are deadly serious about putting Britain back on the map as a host country for a major global automotive event, so we want to make the Automotive Industry Day as significant as the Show itself,” said British Motor Show CEO, Andy Entwistle.
The organisers will be offering manufacturers the opportunity to launch vehicles to the press at the event, including the chance to get media and influencers into cars via a series of test routes, both inside and outside the capacious venue.
The Show is already hosting The Automotive Careers Expo on the same day, so this is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate just what the UK automotive industry has to offer.
Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, said: “In spite of COVID-19, the automotive sector offers immense careers opportunities, with a new generation of workers seeing the technological developments – from electrification to autonomous and connected driving – as exciting reasons to get involved. With employers urgently requiring the right skills for their businesses as the UK races towards the government’s zero emissions target, Automotive Industry Day will be a great forum for media, students, current workers and employers alike to find out more.”
“We are expecting over 500 members of the world’s mainstream and automotive media to join us on the day, which will give the industry the platform it needs to show the world why we are one of the most important global players in the automotive industry” continued Andy Entwistle. “The automotive industry in the UK is vital to our economy. Many people don’t realise how large the industry still is and we remain one the of key manufacturers in Europe.
“The UK technology suppliers are world beating and we need to ensure that we give the industry the platform it needs to show this to the world’s press. I know that many of the motoring media enjoy their annual pilgrimage to Geneva and whilst we are not attempting to recreate that show, we can give them a fantastic opportunity to network, catch up with colleagues and see the latest vehicles all in one place. I also promise to make sure we have enough Toblerone to keep everyone happy…”
Richard Aucock, Chairman of the Guild of Motoring writers added: “We are looking forward to working closely with Andy and the team on this exciting event, to deliver lots of new opportunities both to Guild members and the broader UK automotive industry. Strong media support is a crucial element of a successful motor show and we are determined to make this an event that works well for everyone“
Working with the IMI, a VIP lunch will be held on the day for key members of the trade and in the evening, in partnership with the Guild of Motoring Writers, there will be a social event for the members of the automotive media from the UK, plus their overseas guests.
More details can be found by visiting the website. Trade tickets will go on sale later this year.
The organisers are encouraging exhibitors who would like to secure space at the event to contact them now as space may become limited. For more info contact: exhibit@thebritishmotorshow.live
The British Motor Show takes place August 19-22, 2021
