Trade mission
6-9 October 2026
Georgia and South Carolina, USA
Join 91成人’s trade mission to the southeastern US states of Georgia and South Carolina, supported by the Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade, South Carolina Department of Commerce and Georgia Department of Economic Development.
This mission will provide delegates with first-hand insight into the region’s automotive ecosystem and opportunities to build valuable business connections.
A key element of the programme is attendance at the , the region’s leading automotive industry event. Delegates will participate in a dedicated B2B matchmaking programme, with confirmed participants including Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.
The mission also includes market briefings, networking reception, a curated business dinner, site visits and meetings with key regional stakeholders. This will provide delegates with direct access to decision-makers and give practical insights into doing business in the Southeastern USA.
About the Southern Automotive Conference
The 19th Southern Automotive Conference, organised this year by the , is the South鈥檚 largest automotive manufacturing event which rotates annually between the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Delegates will take part in the B2B matchmaking event, attend the conference to hear key note speeches and panel discussions from senior leaders across the region and have an opportunity to network with exhibitors and other attendees throughout the show, including the welcome reception on the first evening of the event.
OEM and Tier suppliers that are confirmed to be taking part in the B2B matchmaking event are Honda, Hyundai, KIA, Mazda-Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Baxter Enterprises, Dee Zee, Mahle, Mitchell Plastics, Montaplast, Motus Integrated Technologies, OP Mobility, SMP/Motherson and WKW, with others still to be announced.
Attendees are guaranteed a minimum of 4 B2B appointments (booked by delegates directly on site on the day of the event).
Georgia and South Carolina Automotive Overview
The 鈥淏attery Belt鈥 of the USA
The Southeastern states have attracted over $90bn in EV and battery manufacturing investments since 2022, creating approximately 70,000 jobs.
An established, thriving automotive hub
- Dozens of major OEMs call the region home: BMW, BorgWarner, Bosch, Bridgestone, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Michelin, Scout, Volvo and ZF, amongst others.
- A flourishing network of Tier 1 and 2 suppliers are based in these states, supporting manufacturers and service providers.
- South Carolina is the top US state exporter of completed passenger vehicles, with 21% of the market share, as well as the country鈥檚 largest manufacturer and exporter of tyres, with 37% of the market share.
Key competitive advantages of the region
- Advantageous logistics capabilities, established infrastructure and resource availability.
- Major ports include the Port of Savannah and Port of Brunswick in Georgia and the Port of Charleston in South Carolina.
- Raw material resources including Lithium and Graphite available across the region.
A hub for EV innovation and manufacturing
- South Carolina ranks 1st in workforce employed (by %) by foreign鈥憃wned companies, with more than 1,200 present in the state.
- The growth of South Carolina’s automotive industry highlights its role in shaping the future of the US automotive sector.
- Georgia leverages business鈥慺riendly policies to attract manufacturers including Rivian, SK Battery, Hyundai and Kia, with over $31bn invested since 2015.
– published by Georgia Department of Economic Development
– published by UpstateSCAlliance
Why join the UK delegation?
The trade mission is for UK automotive companies, either with experience in the US or looking to explore this market for the first time.
- Market research聽鈥 understand more about the Southeastern region and the opportunities for your company
- 狈别迟飞辞谤办颈苍驳听鈥 connect with US companies at the Southern Automotive Conference, and at networking events
- Raise your profile聽鈥 91成人 will promote your company on our platforms and will introduce you to relevant organisations and stakeholders
- Value for money and access聽鈥 cost is cheaper than visiting independently and provides access to key contacts and organisations in the region
- 厂耻辫辫辞谤迟听鈥 support from 91成人, Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade and local stakeholders including South Carolina Department of Commerce and Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Trade Mission programme and costs
The programme will include:
- Four-day visit arranged by 91成人 and supporting stakeholders*
- Attend the
- B2B meetings, networking reception, and curated dinner
- Site visits
- Networking opportunities with OEMs, suppliers and support organisations
- Briefings from local stakeholders on the automotive landscape in Georgia and South Carolina
for latest trade mission programme
*Activity in South Carolina is being organised by the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Programme is subject to change.
Cost:
拢695 + VAT: 91成人 member rate (1 attendee per company. Additional attendees can attend for 拢395 + VAT per attendee)
拢895 + VAT: Non-91成人 member rate** (1 attendee per company. Additional attendees can attend for 拢595 + VAT per attendee)
**91成人 membership starts from 拢768 + VAT per year.
PLEASE NOTE: Costs relating to flights, hotels, some subsistence and travel to the start and from the finish of the trade mission programme will need to be covered by delegate companies. Travel during the trade mission is covered by 91成人 as will some subsistence. 91成人 will also recommend hotels.
颁辞苍迟补肠迟听[email protected]聽for more information.
2025 UK Delegation Testimonials
鈥淩eally positive all round, thank you鈥
鈥淰ery well organised. An interesting mix of activities, meetings and attendees鈥
鈥淭he mission was very useful for gathering insights into the US market鈥
鈥淕ood market insight and networking鈥
鈥淧rovided a better insight into the US market and made some good contacts鈥
鈥淚 would highly recommend 91成人 trade missions鈥
2026 delegates
Below are the details of the companies that have signed up to join this trade mission so far.
AE Rubber (UK) Ltd specialises in the manufacture and supply of engineered rubber and plastic components, seals and hoses for customers in Europe, Asia and America. They are a trusted supplier for our Tier 1 and 2 automotive customers and also serve many other markets including construction, domestic appliances, electronic control, aviation, motorsport, classic car, machinery, lighting and pumping systems.
Visit the AE Rubber (UK) Ltd for more information or follow them on .
Automotive Smart Grid is a custom system designed and developed to implement the complex, automated and interactive control of a group of territorially dispersed electromechanical nodes joined by a single energy network. It consists of a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) and proprietary ECU hardware embedded with the ASG communication protocol. The technology is applicable not only in automotive, but also in aerospace and robotics.
Visit the Automotive Smart Grid for more information or follow them on .
Intermotor Group is a UK based automotive manufacturer and supplier specializing in high-quality engine management, emissions, ignition and fueling components for the automotive OE/OES/Tier 1 and Aftermarket sectors. With manufacturing facilities in the UK and Poland, Intermotor Group combines engineering expertise, product quality, strong technical knowledge and global supply capability to support customers across North America, UK, Europe, Oceania and international markets.
Visit the Intermotor Group Ltd for more information or follow them on .
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the team regarding this trade mission, please email [email protected]
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