The three-day Automotive Supply Chain Forum at Automechanika Birmingham will unite the industry in one central hub, driving the next generation of mobility solutions.
Taking place at the NEC on 3 to 5 June, the Automotive Supply Chain Forum has evolved into a vital event for the UK automotive sector and will spotlight key themes and innovations impacting the supply chain.
The 2025 edition builds on the success of the 2023 edition, which saw a remarkable turnout with 2,160 visitors, of which, 87% had purchasing authority and 1,500 were senior visitors, while 25% were made up of vehicle manufacturers, 35% were Tier Ones, and 40% were Tier 2s and Upstream.
The forum will once again partner with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), featuring the popular Meet the Buyer programme. The initiative, scheduled for 4 June, facilitates one-on-one meetings between automotive supply chain suppliers, key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and tier-one buyers.
Not only does this create meaningful connections and potential collaborations but it ensures the presence of key engineering and procurement personnel at the event.
In addition to the Automotive Supply Chain Forum, Automechanika Birmingham will be co-located with six other major engineering exhibitions, collectively drawing 350 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors. This strategic co-location maximises exposure and networking opportunities for all participants, making it a central hub for industry innovation and engagement.
Future-proofing the industry
The Automotive Supply Chain Forum will feature the new Innovation4Mobility segment, a key highlight designed to address the latest advancements and pressing issues within the automotive supply chain, while offering the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, hands-on demonstrations and immersive experiences.
Attendees can explore the latest developments in hydrogen, electrification and battery supply chains, digital transformation, and the advancements in connected and autonomous vehicles.
It will also address the role of composites and advanced materials in automotive innovation and examine strategies for achieving sustainability and net-zero goals.
For example, Dr Sophie Cozien-Cazuc, Senior Strategist at the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, will explore how innovation in advanced automotive materials is shaping the future of mobility. She’ll dive into the role of carbon fibre recycling in meeting sustainability goals, how advanced materials can boost EV adoption and accelerate the shift to net zero, and what it takes to deliver high performance at scale without driving up costs.
These topics reflect the industry's shift towards sustainability and technological innovation, providing invaluable insights for navigating future challenges and opportunities.
The host of seminars, panel discussions and keynote speeches will get underway on 3 June, with conversations specifically set to highlight the importance of collaboration in the supply chain, followed by a session from Sam Coleman, CMO, Stringo AB on how automation, including Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), is revolutionising automotive production, vehicle storage and repair.
Later, Andy Crook from GotBoost will explore hydrogen’s role in future propulsion and the challenges of consumer adoption.
The topical discussions continue into Day Two, with an industry update from Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT, followed by a fireside chat featuring Marsh McLennan, who will be exploring AI within the supply chain.
The day’s key focus will be on EV battery life extension, covering diagnostics, remanufacturing and solid-state battery advancements.
TotalEnergies will also be taking the stage to explore critical minerals and global trade’s impact on EV production, sharing strategies to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
Key topics will continue to be explored into the third and final day, with the role of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) in heavy transport and the future of hydrogen-powered mobility being discussed.
The event will conclude with a panel on emerging automotive trends, featuring industry experts offering insights into the road ahead for transport innovation.
Register for your free ticket at https://bit.ly/ECAUTOFORUM
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