As we kick off the engine of 2024, the automotive industry in the UK is firing on all cylinders. In 2023, new car registrations dipped slightly to around 1.9 million units, reflecting global supply chain issues. However, analysts predict a rebound in 2024, with a growing emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs).
In fact, almost a quarter of new car registrations in 2023 were EVs, a trend that's sure to continue. This shift is driven by government incentives, environmental consciousness, and a growing selection of compelling electric models from established players like Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, and Volkswagen alongside exciting new arrivals like Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, BYD, and others.
Photo Credit: InsideEVs
These industry titans not only drive the production of new vehicles but also play pivotal roles in shaping the direction of innovation and technological advancement within the sector. However, the game-changer in the automotive industry isn't just the shiny exteriors or powerful engines; it's the integration of technology that's reshaping the entire sector.
Technology has become the driving force behind the evolution of the automotive industry. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Self-Driving Vehicles (SDVs), vehicle connectivity to battery software technologies, the UK automotive landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Manufacturers, dealerships, and suppliers alike are embracing these emerging trends, leveraging them to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the board.
🤖 AI, once confined to sci-fi fantasies, is now a pivotal tool in automotive manufacturing, aiding in predictive maintenance, quality control, and even personalized driving experiences. Self-Driving Vehicles, once a distant dream, are inching closer to reality, promising safer roads and efficient transportation systems. Meanwhile, Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are paving the way for over-the-air updates and features, while advancements in-vehicle connectivity are blurring the lines between car and smartphone.
🔋 Battery software technologies are also gaining traction, as the industry pivots towards electric vehicles (EVs) in response to environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. With the UK government's ambitious targets to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, the race to develop efficient battery systems and charging infrastructure is in full swing.
Here at Oneest, we're right in the thick of this exciting revolution. As a premier automotive software development partner, we understand the challenges and opportunities presented by these emerging technologies.
From designing intuitive user interfaces to developing cutting-edge AI algorithms, we're committed to empowering our automotive customers with the tools they need to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it's streamlining production processes or enhancing the driving experience through advanced vehicle connectivity, our expertise extends across the entire automotive value chain.
Source: Oneest
Now, let's shift gears and explore the 10 hottest automotive events 🔥 happening in the UK this year. 🇬🇧
1. SMMT Connected 2024
📆 Date: March 14th, 2024
📍 Location: QEII Centre, London
Main Focus and Topics: The event provides a platform for leaders to discuss and showcase the latest innovations in connected and automated vehicle technology. Attendees can view vehicles from various brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, and Volvo. SMMT is an organization representing the UK automotive industry and hosts multiple events annually.
2. EV Charging Infrastructure UK 2024
📆 Date: April 15th-16th, 2024
📍 Location: Hilton London Canary Wharf, London
Main focus and topics: Leading automotive manufacturers will meet with electrical charge point developers, electrical grid operators, city planners, and policymakers to explore and establish robust electrical infrastructure and charge points to meet the needs of a new generation of electric vehicles.
3. Future of the Car Summit 2024
📆 Date: May 7th-9th, 2024
📍 Location: London
Main focus and topics: The event will focus on topics about the next stages of the transition to electric and future battery technology, how are global auto supply chains evolving in the face of geopolitical volatility, AI for the next generation of connected and autonomous vehicles, and others.
4. SMMT International Automotive Summit 2024
📆 Date: June 25th, 2024
📍 Location: IET Savoy, London
Main focus and topics: The event agenda will address some of the key issues for automotive; the industry roadmap for the net zero transition; how to improve the UK’s competitiveness and compete against fierce global competition; and the opportunities that will arise for businesses that seize the moment and innovate now for the future. There will also be panel discussions throughout the day focusing on the market, technology, and people.
5. London Mobility Summit 2024
📆 Date: July 3rd-4th, 2024
📍 Location: London
Main focus and topics: The event is focused on the future of autonomous vehicles. It brings together industry experts and professionals to discuss and network. The summit is hosted in Greenwich, a leader in innovative urban mobility solutions, and is in partnership with London & Partners and Smart Mobility Living Lab.
6. Oxford EV Summit 2024
📆 Date: July 15th-16th, 2024
📍 Location: Oxford
Main focus and topics: A two-day summit that brings together business leaders and key players in the electric vehicle, energy, information technology, and charging infrastructure industries. It focuses on advancing full, battery electric, emobility and offers opportunities for networking and pre-arranged meetings with industry experts.
7. Future Industrial Automation 2024
📆 Date: July 25th-26th, 2024
📍 Location: Online, virtual event
Main focus and topics: The event aims to gather the key industry leaders, academicians, and scientists from the field of the Industrial Automation community to create an approach toward the global exchange of information and explore the future of industrial automation. Connecting the Bots, Security in automated manufacturing, ML, Future Sensors and actuators, Robotic Automation and other key highlights.
8. EV World Congress 2024
📆 Date: October 1st-2nd, 2024
📍 Location: Novotel London West, London
Main focus and topics: The event will bring world-leading EV expertise to London to share the latest insight and case studies with our audience of UK and Ireland-based charge point operators, installers, and manufacturers, fleet owners, local authorities, utilities, DNOs, PV and energy storage suppliers, and destination charging locations.
9. London EV Show 2024
📆 Date: November 26th-28th, 2024
📍 Location: London
Main focus and topics: The Exhibition gathers the world's leading companies and startups to showcase a broad range of products, services, and ideas, from the entire EV ecosystem including electric cars and light vehicles to electric trucks and vans, as well as electric charging infrastructure and battery systems. In addition, the show features the latest advancements in eVTOLs and electric boats, making it a comprehensive showcase of the electric vehicle industry.
This event is a must-attend for every automotive leader in 2024. Our team from Oneest will be there too, ready to chat about how we can help automotive companies with innovation and tech.
If you're keen on discovering more about our capabilities and past projects, don't hesitate to schedule an in-person meeting with us during the event. Let's seize this opportunity to connect and explore possibilities together!
10. Classic Motor Show 2024
📆 Date: November 8th-10th, 2024
📍 Location: NEC, Birmingham
Main focus and topics: The Expo brings together a great array of classic car and motorcycle clubs along with their iconic classic and vintage cars and motorbikes. You’ll find an outstanding range on offer from the Dealers and at Iconic Auctioneers.
Summing Up
The future of the UK automotive industry is electric, connected, and brimming with innovation. Stay ahead of the curve by partnering with Oneest. We're passionate about helping companies navigate this exciting new landscape.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your specific needs! Follow our blog for the latest industry insights, and keep an eye out for us at the upcoming automotive events we'll be attending – we look forward to connecting with you there!
If you're interested in learning about upcoming Automotive Trade Shows in Germany, be sure to check our previous article, hope you'll find it valuable!
Join Us at the London EV Show 2024
If you're interested in exploring opportunities or discussing your needs in detail, book a meeting with us at the event to discuss how we can help your business thrive in the electric future.
We look forward to connecting with you and driving innovation in the automotive sector together.
