Agenda

This year’s Driving Automotive event is packed with insights from some of the leading lights in the automotive sector and features a unique series of “lightning talks” from some of the Chinese brands bringing new and exciting products to the UK market.

9.15 -9.55

Reception & networking

9.55 -10.05

Welcome and event introduction Sue Robinson, Chief Executive, NFDA & Yin Noe, Head of UK & EU, China Automotive Alliance

10.05 -10.20

Global Market Today – Bo Yu, Country General Manager, China, JATO Dynamics

In this introductory session, Bo will give the event context by providing an update on the automotive market in China today. This will include the latest feelings from the perspective of Chinese manufacturers on their international expansion plans, particularly about the UK. 

10.35-10.50

Electric Pipeline – what can we expect from the new players? – Ian Plummer, Commercial Director, Auto Trader

Following Bo’s overview, Ian will share his insights from his OEM tour in China, including how developments in the Chinese home market are set to impact legacy players in the UK and beyond, as well as what we can expect from the new brands hoping to reach British shores in the coming months and years. You’ll hear about the advancements being made in Chinese products, and how the Chinese export market is shaping up for the years ahead.

10.20 -10.35

Current OEM Strategies – Steve Young, Manging Director, ICDP

This session will explore what some of the new entrant brands are already doing better than others, and how their actions since arriving in the UK are influencing their current and future success. Hear how brand awareness activities, retailer partnerships, finance offerings, and aftersales strategies are all helping to move the needle and cement their place in the UK retail landscape.

10.50 -11.05

12 months on – Simon Bisp, Head of Sales, BYD

In this session, Simon will provide an update on how the brand has progressed since the last event, and its strategy going forward.

11.05 -11:20

The consumer view – are they ready to embrace new brands?  – Marc Palmer, Head of Strategy & Insights, Auto Trader

Marc will turn the focus now on the UK, discussing how the EV market has developed over the last year and the impact new entrants have had since the last event. You’ll hear what progress is being made and what role new entrants are currently and predicted to play. Marc will also highlight the latest consumer sentiment trends, exploring brand equity and whether UK car buyers are actually open to new and unfamiliar brands.    

11.20 -11:40

Networking break

11.40 -11:55

Profitable Partnership – how to engage new brands – Yin Noe, Head of UK & EU, China Automotive Alliance

Learn how to forge the best relationship with Chinese brands. Yin will provide their advice and practical tips on how to engage with the new entrants and to sustain a successful and lasting partnership.  

11.55 -12:25

Lightning Round One: What new entrants are set to bring to the market

Hear from a range of new entrants across both car and van, in a series of lightning talks as they share their product strategy and distribution plans for the UK. You’ll learn what’s coming to the market and how retailers’ factor into their ambitions.

With representatives from:

1.           Xpeng

2.           Changan

3.           Skywell Auto

12.25 -13:25

Lunch - your chance to network and interact with products from new entrants

13.25 -13:55

Lightning Round Two: What new entrants are set to bring to the market

Hear from a range of new entrants across both car and van, in a series of lightning talks as they share their product strategy and distribution plans for the UK. You’ll learn what’s coming to the market and how retailers factor into their ambitions.

With representatives from:

1.           Lotus

2.          Leapmotor

3.          Farizon

13.55 -14:10

Code of Conduct and Franchise Agreements – Miles Trower TLT LLC

Panel: Is 2025 the year for new entrants? Hosted by Yin Noe, China Automotive Alliance.

Find out what the year ahead has in store for the EV market and whether 2025 will be the year that sees new entrants take off in the UK. You’ll hear from a panel from across the automotive industry as they discuss how new entrants could shape the UK industry, from manufacturing to retailing and what potential hurdles could be on the horizon.

 

•             OEM: Nic Thomas, European Sales and Marketing Director, Chang’an

•             Retailer: Chris Wiseman, Managing Director, Wessex Garages

•             Automotive platform: Charles Essam, Head of New Car, Auto Trader

•             Analyst: Bo Yu, JATO China

14.50 -14:55

Final thoughts

14.55 -15:30

Networking with refreshments

This is a final opportunity for you to meet with the new brands, ask questions, and view the range of cars on display.