The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is pleased to announce that electric sports car maker, Tesla Motors, has signed up to full membership of SMMT, joining around 500 automotive companies operating in the UK.
Through its membership, Tesla Motors will contribute to SMMT’s committees and debates, shaping the industry’s representation to government, stakeholders and the media. SMMT works to promote the interests of its members through lobbying activities and supports their business through the regular supply of market data, production outlook and industry insight reports.
Commenting on Tesla’s appointment to membership, SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said, “Ultra-low carbon vehicles are now mainstream business for the UK motor industry and it is important that SMMT continues fully to reflect the diversity of the sector through its membership. I am delighted that Tesla Motors has taken this opportunity to join SMMT and work with other automotive companies to help shape the future of the UK motor industry.”
Tesla’s sales and marketing director, Don Cochrane said, “Tesla is extremely pleased to be joining SMMT. We feel strongly that the industry as a whole has to work together to help make low carbon vehicles a realistic alternative for British consumers. Tesla has unique experience in the sector with over 600 roadsters now with customers in the US and the first UK deliveries will take place this month. We have also just opened our first flagship European store in London’s Knightsbridge, which goes some way to underlining our commitment and belief in the electric vehicle market here in the UK.”
Tesla Motors will be represented on SMMT’s newly formed Electric Vehicle Group which brings together a cross-section of the motor industry representing volume manufacturers, niche vehicle producers and component suppliers. The Electric Vehicle Group will promote a collaborative industry-wide approach to the development of ultra-low carbon technologies.