about smmt
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. Its resources, reputation and unrivalled automotive data place it at the heart of the UK automotive industry.
SMMT is one of the UK’s largest, most influential trade associations, representing sectors ranging from R&D and manufacturing of cars, vans, trucks, buses, taxis and trailers; to tech, software, servicing and supply chain. Our members include large multi-nationals. SMEs and start-ups, and SMMT’s remit is to support, safeguard and champion their businesses and competitiveness, promoting their interest to government, stakeholders and media in the UK and globally.
smmt vision
Making the UK the best place for automotive business
smmt mission
Enhance the prosperity, importance and diversity of the UK motor industry through intelligence, influential relationships and market-driven services delivered by highly engaged people
what we do
SMMT members are part of a powerful, united voice that is recognised and respected by policy makers in the UK, EU and beyond. They benefit from influential advocacy, the ability to inform policy and regulation, access to expert advice and market-leading data and intelligence, as well as extensive business development and networking opportunities globally.
ADVOCACY
market intelligence
international services
Targeted networking
Innovation support
Manufacturing competitiveness
our people
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd is structured to cover individual areas of expertise.
Mike Hawes OBE
Chief Executive
Konstanze Scharring
Executive Director, Government and External Affairs
Emma Butcher
Director of Communicatations
Yung Tran
Director of Member Services and Business Development
Ruta Aisthorpe
Director of Global Operations and Partnerships
Geoff Bland
Chief Financial Officer
Katie Milbourn
Director of Group HR
Seftton Samuels
Director & General Counsel
Vinny Phul
Chief Technology Officer
Anna Lindt
Director of Vehicle Regulation
Rebecca Lynn
Executive Assistant to Mike Hawes, CEO
Konstanze Scharring
Executive Director, Government and External Affairs
Anna Lindt
Director of Vehicle Regulation
Matthew Croucher
Chief Economist
Matthew Ogg
Head of Policy
Ruta Aisthorpe
Director of Global Operations and Partnerships
Matt Smith
Head of International
Frances Woodman
International Manager
Simon Winterbottom
International Manager
Anna Farnell
Head of Events
Lai Espiner
Events Manager
Julia Lo Presti Ventura
Events and Communications Project Manager
Mick Flanagan
SMMT President; Vice President, Adient
Past Presidents
Find out who has held the role of SMMT President since 1902
uk automotive at a glance
UK Automotive plays a critical role in the economy and society – keeping Britain on the move. Automotive is a major contributor to the nation’s economic wellbeing, investing in and developing technologies to advance zero emission mobility, and providing well-paid skilled jobs in businesses and their supply-chains in all regions across the UK
1,952,778
New cars registered in 2024
603,565
vehicles exported in 2023
779,584
cars built in
2023
813,000
people employed across UK auto
40,500,000
vehicles on uk
roads
125,649
commercial vehicles built in 2024
The SMMT Group is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
SMMT Group needs to be representative of the industry it champions and the consumers it serves so our own workforce must be a mirror to broader society. This five-year strategy is our roadmap and the destination is clear. Above all, it is testament to our ambition and our commitment to create a culture where all can thrive and drive success together.
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our History
Frederick Simms was a British engineer and pioneering visionary of today’s British motor industry. In 1902 he believed the fragmented nature of the UK’s motor industry needed to be addressed by creating a UK representative body to provide leadership, protection and direction to the British motor industry.