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The event has now taken place but will return in 2025. Stay tuned for further details.
Taking place in the UK’s most iconic cricket stadium, Lords, this is the second annual Driving Automotive event hosted by the National Franchised Dealers Association, focusing on new entrant brands.
This is the premier event for senior retailer executives looking for unique insights into the exciting array of new Chinese manufacturers set to enter the UK and to understand the opportunities they present.
During the day, guests, including senior franchise retailers, will hear from speakers from across the UK and Chinese automotive landscape, providing expert analysis, actionable insights, and the latest consumer research to help you understand how you can capitalise on the opportunity new entrants present.
You’ll also hear directly from brands, including XPeng, Leapmotor, Lotus, Skywell Auto and Changan, who are set to enter the market in the very near future. They’ll be presenting their plans for entering the market exclusively to you and will be looking for retailer partners to help them achieve their goals in the UK market.
Register now and join us on the 11 December where you’ll:
Get a first-hand look at the new models coming to the UK from China, helping you understand these new products.
Understand what new entrants are looking for in a retail partner and how you can benefit from the wave of new entrants coming to UK shores.
Learn what opportunities new entrants present to retailers, but also what challenges these brands face in the UK.
Connect with industry leaders, OEMs, and forward-thinking dealers.
Leave with actionable insights that will help you develop your new entrants franchising strategy.
Featuring speakers from
Driving Automotive 2024 will bring the leading authorities on new entrants on stage for you to hear from. They’ll share unparalleled insights into the opportunities new entrants present to UK retailers and demonstrate how they will cement their place on the UK market. Below are some of our featured expert speakers and you can view the full roster right here.
Bo is the General Manager at JATO, based in Shanghai, where she oversees market operations and market intelligence in China. With a strong focus on supporting Chinese OEMs, she consults on their globalization projects, helping them navigate the complexities of international markets.
Before her current role, Bo served as the Head of Research in China, and as retail incentives expert in Europe. Additionally, Bo has experience in global market intelligence management for OEMs, including Geely Holding Group.
Yin Noe is an award-winning entrepreneur in both the tech and automotive sectors. In 2022, she was named one of Europe's Top 50 Most Inspiring Women in Tech by Financial Times, EQL:HER & Google. As the Head of UK & EU for China's largest automotive alliance, she connects UK and EU companies with some of the world’s most prominent electric vehicle manufacturers, including Geely, BYD, SAIC, and Chery. In her role as Director of Zondar China Energy & Technology, she spearheads the import and distribution of electric commercial vehicles in the UK, driving a revolution in the vehicle sector with innovative electric LCVs that reduce carbon emissions and enhance logistical efficiency nationwide.
Nic Thomas is Changan’s European Marketing & Sales Leader, having joined in January 2024 to set up the Commercial Operations in Europe.
Nic has a long experience in the automotive business, after a brief stint in Network & CMA planning at GMAP Ltd, he started at Ford of Europe where he undertook roles in multiple markets, including Head of Marketing Operations in the UK and Operations Director for the Ford Sollers joint venture in Russia. In 2012 Nic joined Nissan Europe where he worked as Managing Director of Nissan Austria, UK Marketing Director and Global Director of Electric Vehicles based in Yokohama.
Andy Carroll started his automotive career in Switzerland in 1991, working in Zurich in GM’s European headquarters, and he now works in London in advisory and interim roles. He is currently working with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors leading their UK market entry with Geely Commercial Vehicles’ Farizon brand.
He has held senior leadership positions with vehicle manufacturers, a franchised dealer group, online retailers, and a software supplier, at locations including Paris, Luton, and Nizhny Novgorod.
FAQs
Where?
Driving Automotive 2024 returns to the Lord’s Cricket Ground, with the event taking place in the Warner Stand. Access is through the Grace Gate on the southern end of the ground.
The closest tube station is St John's Wood (approximately 5 minutes' walk), with Warwick Avenue, Marylebone, Edgware Road and Baker Street stations all within 15 minutes' walk.
When?
Driving Automotive 2024 takes place on the 11th December 2024 with arrival from 9:15. You can view the full agenda here.
When?
Driving Automotive 2024 takes place on the 11th December 2024 with arrival from 9:15. You can view the full agenda here.
Who should attend?
Anyone looking to understand how new entrants will impact the UK automotive sector should attend this event. For any franchise retailers looking to speak with new entrant brands already here or set to come to market in the very near future, this is a must-attend event.
Where can I register?
Driving Automotive 2024 is free to attend for all NFDA members, but non-members can also register. You can register here.