According to a recent independent automotive market report, banking alliances and finance partnerships are breathing new life into the UK Auto Fleet Industry, and this new era of consolidation within the fleet market sector is set to provide a new source of investment funds for businesses operating in the contract hire, car leasing and car finance market segments. The report also mentions that there has been a trend in recent years for car manufacturers to outsource their leasing activities to specialists in the car-leasing sector, as it was shown that they could provide a more cost-effective service to customers.

The Secretary of State for business, Vince Cable, announced that he was attending the SMMT International Automotive Summit in London, where he intends to highlight and discuss key issues affecting the UK automotive industry and the future challenges facing UK manufacturing and the economy.

It was also reported that the SMMT CEO, Mr Paul Everitt and other senior automotive executives, were looking forward to the London summit and to the frank discussions focusing on the global auto markets, finance and the important issue of lower carbon vehicles, especially relating to heavy goods vehicle and the bus/coach sectors. The auto summit will be introducing a new futures segment that many in the industry will find interesting.

A number of top industry designers will be showcasing their future vehicle designs, and some designs will incorporate new safety features that could possibly change the manner of driving vehicles in the future. Summit will gather together key influencers from the global industry, UK and international media, politicians and officials from Westminster and Brussels, the event promises to be one of the most influential gatherings of the year.