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We had always greatly valued our membership of this UK motor industry trade association and joined the 'Automotive Consultants Group' (ACG) many years ago at the specific encouragement of the (then) management of the SMMT. In 2005 the new/slimmed SMMT management decided that consultants per se were 'dirty' and disbanded the ACG, at the same time increasing subscriptions for such individuals and practices by many multiples, thus virtually forcing all consulting members to resign - a retrograde step which prevents the SMMT from representing a series of tier 1 suppliers to car makers - one of the last remaining British owned corners of the shrinking British Motor industry. However, with gritty determination we at MWA decided to continue in membership using our erstwhile reconditioning import/export business as our justification for membership. We have supported the British Motor industry in every way we can and had regarded our annual subscription to the SMMT as a donation for 'belonging', not expecting any particular pay-back. There has since been unprovoked and surprising antagonism from certain SMMT personnel and consequently we campaigned for continuing membership of the SMMT. We do not believe we were being treated even-handedly as members - and we have every reason to suspect we are being treated any more even-handedly now, as non-members. Nevertheless, we still adhere to the principles of the Code of Practice which was originated by the SMMT (Adrian Walsh and Hilary Alderson several years ago) although the SMMT now claim that they did not write it, and do not admit to ever having any knowledge of it. We retain a copy of the original file, clearly showing its SMMT authorship. Regrettably, we note the inevitable decimation of the British Motor Industry presided over in 'King Canute' fashion by the SMMT. We offer tribute to all those UK suppliers who are still working in this industry against all odds, making and exporting world class design and manufacture, especially to the cutting-edge motor racing industry. Correct at 1 September 2010. |
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