Ministers and auto companies discuss future of car industry

The UK government and the automotive industry came have met to discuss plans to position Britain as a world leader in electric, connected and autonomous vehicle technology.

The meeting on 14 March was attended by representatives of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), vehicle manufacturers, the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) and Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).

The roundtable meeting was chaired by transport minister John Hayes, who outlined the content and progress of the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill. The Bill, which has begun the House of Commons Committee stage, is designed to help position the UK as a global destination for the development of ultra-low emission and connected and autonomous vehicles. It introduces new policies designed to modernise the UK’s transport system and help capitalise on a £51bn a year economic opportunity.

Measures include electric charging infrastructure at motorway service stations and fuel retailers, ensuring charging points are compatible with all vehicles across all networks, and updating insurance rules to cater for autonomous driving.

Transport minister John Hayes, said: “Our Vehicle Aviation and Technology Bill will make sure the right infrastructure is in place such as more electric charging points, hydrogen refuelling stations and the right insurance products for automated vehicles.”

The roundtable came ahead of a major cross-industry event on connected and autonomous vehicles taking place on 30 March in London. SMMT Connected 2017 will bring together senior automotive executives, technology sector representatives and policy-makers to discuss developments and challenges around connected and autonomous vehicle technology in the UK.

The event will feature panel discussions on the social benefits of driverless vehicles; current and potential safety benefits; challenges surrounding cyber security and data protection; and will also share learning from international initiatives already underway.

Speakers include:

• Greg Clark, secretary of state, Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy
• Dr Ian Robertson, board of management, BMW
• David Richter, vice president of strategic initiatives, Uber
• Doug Davis, senior vice president and general manager, automated driving group, Intel Corporation
• Mike Hawes, chief executive, SMMT

A new report exploring the impact of connected and autonomous vehicles on different sectors of society will also be published at the event. The report will focus on social groups, including both young and older people and those who face mobility problems, whether due to physical ability or lack of access, and will explore the transformative social and financial benefits this technology could bring to individuals and society.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The UK is currently the EU’s biggest market for electric cars, while on-road trials of next generation self-driving vehicles are already taking place on our roads. We welcome government’s commitment to create the conditions necessary to position the UK as a centre of excellence for the development of this technology. These vehicles will transform our roads and society, dramatically reducing accidents, improving air quality, connecting people and saving thousands of lives every year.”

To see the agenda in full and to register, visit www.smmt.co.uk/connected