At the SMMT’s International Automotive Summit, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds outlined the UK government’s vision for a greener, more resilient automotive industry. Here, Paul Bennett explores how this strategy opens new doors for financiers – from EV leasing innovation to green bonds and supply chain investment – positioning the finance sector as a key driver in the UK’s industrial evolution.
On 24 June I had the privilege of attending the SMMT’s International Automotive Summit in London. The event hosted a number of insightful keynote speakers, one of whom was the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade who spoke about the UK’s 2025 Industrial Strategy from the perspective of the automotive sector. What follows is my interpretation of the opportunities described in Jonathan’s speech relating to vehicle financing and commercial funding for auto-related manufacturing:
The UK government’s June 2025 industrial trade strategy marks a pivotal shift towards a sustainable, innovation-driven automotive industry. While much attention is rightly given to manufacturing and technological advancements, the policy’s implications for the automotive finance sector are equally significant, heralding new opportunities and challenges in financing the sector’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs), green technologies and resilient supply chains.
As investments pour into EV manufacturing, batteries and associated infrastructure, financial institutions will play a crucial role in enabling consumers and businesses to adopt new mobility solutions. The increased demand for EV loans, leasing agreements and fleet financing calls for innovative financial products tailored to the evolving needs of manufacturers, fleet operators and individual consumers. Banks and financiers will need to develop both flexible and competitive offerings that account for the unique lifecycle costs and residual values of EVs.
The shift toward green technologies introduces new risk profiles, requiring financial institutions to adapt their credit assessment models. Understanding the technological, regulatory and market risks associated with emerging automotive technologies will be vital. This presents an opportunity for forward-thinking financiers to develop expertise in assessing innovations, thus reducing perceived risks for consumers and businesses alike.
The government’s emphasis on decarbonisation and clean energy aligns with a broader push toward sustainable finance. There is a growing scope for green bonds, ESG-linked loans and other sustainable investment products targeted at the automotive sector. Financial institutions that position themselves as leaders in green finance could benefit from increased capital allocations, competitive advantage and alignment with government policies.
