The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd. (SMMT) is the leading trade association representing the UK automotive industry, advocating for the interests of over 800 member companies including major manufacturers like Volkswagen Group, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, and Toyota, as well as related trade associations such as the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association. Established as one of the oldest and most influential UK trade bodies, SMMT operates from Westminster, strategically located near Parliament and key government departments, enabling it to maintain close relationships with policymakers at national and European levels.
SMMT’s mission is to support and promote the UK automotive sector both domestically and internationally. It provides members with a comprehensive range of services including certification, training, market intelligence, legislative advocacy, and networking opportunities. The organization plays a pivotal role in shaping automotive policy, particularly around vehicle legislation, emissions standards, and the transition towards electric and zero-emission vehicles. It maintains a large Public Policy and Vehicle Legislation department that actively lobbies government departments such as HM Treasury, the Department for Transport, and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, as well as engaging with EU institutions and other stakeholders.
The association also runs the All-Party Parliamentary Motor Group (APPG), which facilitates dialogue between politicians, industry representatives, and other stakeholders on strategic automotive issues including environmental impact and technological innovation. SMMT’s public stance acknowledges the health risks of air pollution but has been critical of policies it views as unfairly targeting diesel vehicles, emphasizing the progress made in reducing emissions from modern diesel engines.
In recent years, SMMT has demonstrated a nuanced approach to climate and energy policies. While supporting the UK’s net-zero by 2050 target and advocating for expanded electric vehicle infrastructure and incentives, it has expressed reservations about the UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, pushing for a more gradual transition and monitoring periods to avoid disruption to the industry. This balanced positioning reflects the challenges faced by the automotive sector in meeting stringent emissions regulations while sustaining manufacturing competitiveness and innovation.
SMMT is also an associated organization of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, reinforcing its role within the broader European automotive lobbying network1. It organizes numerous conferences, seminars, and events to foster industry collaboration and knowledge sharing, while also managing critical data systems like the Motor Vehicle Registration Information System, which tracks new vehicle registrations across the UK
