The Forum, which will be held alongside Automechanika Birmingham from 6th - 8th June 2023 at the NEC, takes place amid fast-paced changes on the automotive supply chain horizon, and will offer key insights into the opportunities available to help future-proof the industry.
Key discussions will focus on constantly evolving technology and its effect on the supply chain. This, compounded by the impending end of sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars and vans in 2030, means future innovation is a key focus for manufacturing sites across the UK, as suppliers embrace reshoring.
Simon Albert, managing director of event organisers Messe Frankfurt UK, said:
“We’re delighted to be partnering with SMMT to bring the supply chain together at this new-look, dedicated trade event. The Forum looks to spark insightful conversations amongst key industry professionals and provide them with a platform to discuss the upcoming challenges and opportunities that the sector faces.”
The Automotive Supply Chain Forum will also explore how UK manufacturing is bringing more global productions back to domestic sites to address supply chain challenges caused by the legacy of the Covid pandemic, logistic pain points, global disruption, and ongoing UK-EU regulation complexities following Brexit.
As powertrains shift to zero emission, and vehicle designs are constantly required to innovate, the Forum brings suppliers face to face with those at the forefront of developing new technologies, to explore opportunities and to win business.
The Forum will also see the return of the SMMT Meet the Buyer programme, which enables one-to-one meetings between aftermarket suppliers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and tier-one buyers.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“Suppliers and stakeholders across the industry must be agile and responsive to the changing automotive world, as innovation transforms how we design, make, service and repair the products on which society depends.
“The rapid pace of innovation brings both challenges to overcome but also opportunities to grasp, and by attending the Forum at Automechanika Birmingham, automotive companies can showcase their expertise and share knowledge, while networking with key industry players.”
The 2023 edition of the Automotive Supply Chain Forum will be the fifth time the event has run, previously being part of the Automechanika trade exhibition. However, the latest edition will have an all-new format to put the supply chain in the spotlight more than ever before.
Event themes will focus on challenges and opportunities presented by electrification and battery technology, light weighting, sustainability and net-zero, supply chain logistics, industry 4.0 and digitalisation and, skills and talent retention.
In addition, the Automotive Supply Chain Forum is co-located with six other engineering events, including various events taking place at M&E week, Subcon and TCT 3Sixty, collectively attracting 350 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors seeking the latest in manufacturing and design, maximising exposure for exhibitors and sponsors.
For more information on the Automotive Supply Chain Forum, visit here.