Established in 1902, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, or SMMT, is the leading trade organisation for the UK’s automotive sector. Promoting and defending the interests of the UK automotive industry both domestically and abroad is its main goal. For businesses in the UK motor trade, SMMT membership offers powerful advocacy, rich industry insights, networking opportunities and practical support.
Membership & Scope
Over 800–900 automotive companies make up SMMT’s extensive and varied membership base, which includes technology companies, R&D organisations, SMEs, aftermarket specialists, testing facilities, and multinational vehicle and component manufacturers.
From design and production to servicing and disposal, it supports the entire automotive ecosystem, which includes cars, vans, buses, trucks, taxis, trailers, and related technologies.
Economic Influence & Data
The SMMT plays a critical role in producing authoritative industry data. Its Motor Industry Facts report reveals that, as of 2025, the automotive sector contributed approximately £92 billion in turnover, £25 billion in value added, and invested around £4 billion annually in R&D. It also directly supports around 183,000 manufacturing jobs and a total of 790,000 roles across the wider sector, accounting for 13.4% of UK exports—worth £108 billion.
Advocacy & Policy Influence
The advocacy and policy-making work that SMMT does is a key component of its operations. By actively participating in advisory forums like the Automotive Council and working with organisations like the Advanced Propulsion Centre, the association regularly represents industry views to the UK government and international partners. On behalf of its members, MMT offers evidence-based technical, political, and economic analysis to impact laws, regulations, and government assistance programmes.
Historical Contributions & Services
SMMT has a long history of leadership in the UK motor industry, having been founded in 1902 by Frederick Richard Simms. Hosting the first motor show at Crystal Palace in 1903 was one of its noteworthy early contributions; this tradition developed into the British International Motor Show, which was held until 2008. In 1972, it also created the first Motor Vehicle Registration Information System (MVRIS), which compiles new vehicle registration information from importers, manufacturers, and the DVLA and continues to publish it on a monthly basis. Over 4,000 garages in the UK are registered as compliant, and SMMT made a significant contribution to consumer protection standards by establishing the Motor Industry Code of Practice for both new car sales (2004) and service & repair (2008).
Strategic Industry Initiatives
Through strategic reports and initiatives, the association is still influencing the future of the industry. The ambitious plans outlined in its “Full Throttle: Driving UK Automotive Competitiveness” strategy include building gigafactories with 60 GWh battery capacity, funding 2.3 million public EV charging stations by 2030, and creating trade and skill-related policies to ensure the industry’s long-term competitiveness and net-zero transition.