In the latest update from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' (SMMT) Chief Executive Mike Hawes, he announces the SMMT's support of a new industry-wide survey into the global competitiveness of Britain's automotive sector on the world's stage to be conducted by the Automotive Council UK.

This study follows the launch of the SMMT's report "Driving Global Britain" which sets out how the automotive sector must be at the forefront of future international trade deals. With vehicle export revenues reaching £27bn last year it is easy to see how important the sector is to the success of "UK plc". However this level of success will only be sustained if regulatory barriers and uncompetitive trade tariffs are addressed. One key concern is how the rise in business rates for anyone wanting to invest in new manufacturing equipment is acting as a disincentive to investment.

With the UK car industry at the heart of future trade policy, it can continue to have a key role in the economic recovery, and the growth of Global Britain.