Automotive
Every client in the automotive sector needs help from time to time on contractual matters, property issues and in respect of its employees – we understand the automotive trade and have the legal expertise to help. Whether you are a manufacturer of components, supplier, OEM or car dealership we have significant experience at working at all levels within the supply chain and understand your industry and its pressures.
The automotive sector is divided into two distinct parts:
- the manufacture of vehicles and components and
- the motor trade including retail, distribution and after-market services.
Automotive in the UK
In the UK there are more than 40 companies manufacturing vehicles which are supported by a diverse supply chain including major component manufacturers, designers, engineers and technology expertise. There is significant foreign investment and high exports amounting to roughly 13% of the UK’s export of goods. Design engineering in the UK employs approximately 7,500 people generating a turnover of £650 million. Automotive manufacturing provides approximately 180,000 jobs and contributes over £10 billion value added to the UK economy. In the UK there is also a well established and sophisticated retail and service/maintenance sector which in 2009 generated £24 billion value added to the UK economy. This part of the automotive sector employs in excess of ½ million people.
Innovation, complex engineering and slick production lines means the face of the automotive world continues to evolve. The sector has been hit hard by the recession and we have seen a number of acquisitions, closures and re-emergences. Clients in the automotive sector continuously juggle technology and product performance against a backdrop of cost cutting demands. Globalisation demands flexibility and continuous development which keeps everyone in this sector on their toes.
Manufacture of vehicles and components
Members of our team have acted for the likes of Ford and Mazda, OEMs and Tier One suppliers such as Magna Exteriors and Interiors though to medium and smaller manufacturers of component parts. Much of the work in the automotive sector is just in time and commercial and timely advice is what we seek to provide to help our clients achieve their commercial goals but with a firm eye kept on their risk and liability.
Motor Trade : including retail, distribution and after-market services.
The other side of the automotive world is the finished product reaching the customer and the relationship between the manufacturer and dealer. We have a wealth of experience in dealership agreements and third party arrangements such as placing vehicles on Autotrader, drafting rules for competitions or agreements with PR companies as regards advertising and placing.
We would be delighted to assist if you need help with:
- Manufacturing and Supply Agreements
- Dealership and Franchise Agreements
- Terms and Conditions
- Finance and Security Arrangements
- Marketing/Placing Agreements
- Sponsorship arrangements/Competitions
- Corporate transactions
- Intellectual property
- Debt collection
- Employment issues
- Disputes
- Property issues – whether acquiring or disposing of, or lease premises, option agreements
- Planning, development and environmental issues.
Please contact Susan Jennings in the first instance by calling 01634 828277.
OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer when referring to automotive parts, designates a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part.
The automotive supplier base is broken into tiers for definition of supplier status along the supply chain. Tier one suppliers are those that supply the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), or major automotive assembly firms. Tier two are those that supply to tier one, tier three supply to tier two and so on.
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