Automotive

The automotive industry faces an unprecedented pace of change with the digitalisation of manufacturing, disruptive technologies, trade wars and the post-Brexit landscape – to name just a few.

illustration for Automotive

In the fast-changing automotive world, our extensive industry experience matched with our commercial outlook and passion, mean we can help you optimise opportunities, navigate challenges and mitigate risk.

Our team is well-placed to help you navigate this exciting but challenging period, with expertise across the international automotive sector – from end-to-end supply chain and contract manufacturing, to the dynamic world of motorsport.

Combined with our technology sector expertise, we can also guide you through the risks and opportunities of the rapidly developing landscape of vehicle electrification and connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.

Our experience

From supply chain processes to property negotiations and IP, our team brings in-depth specialist experience to our work in this multifaceted sector. 

  • We support Lotus Cars on the full range of commercial, real estate, corporate finance and intellectual property work.

  • We successfully enforced Jaguar Land Rover's iconic Defender trade mark against Bombardier.

  • Our team delivers a range of projects for a luxury car manufacturer, including global expansion programmes for vehicle manufacturing services and £multi-million business transformation to vehicle warranty handling processes.

  • We supported the biggest private vehicle fleet management company in the UK on the relocation of its Midlands headquarters.

  • We helped establish one of the UK's newest and most innovative vehicle research and development centres.

  • We assisted Robinsons Autoservices Limited on the sale of the Mercedes Benz dealerships to Group 1.

  • The team also plays a key role in creating regulation within the industry to support its growth and innovation. As an example, we're liaising with governments, regulators, manufacturers, automotive test facilities and transport consultancies on the regulatory framework needed for the testing and introduction of driverless cars and other autonomous vehicles.

Our clients

We represent organisations throughout the industry, including global vehicle manufacturers, component manufacturers, after-market suppliers, logistics suppliers and vehicle distributors and dealers. Key clients include:

  • Jaguar Land Rover

  • Lotus Cars

  • Triumph Motorcycles

  • Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders

  • Centre of Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence

Did you know?

Jaguar Land Rover v Bombardier

We successfully enforced Jaguar Land Rover's iconic Defender trade mark.

Industry leaders

We're working with industry bodies and clients on the legal framework for CAV, including supporting on submissions to government consultations.

£multi-million business transformation

We helped a global luxury car manufacturer develop better vehicle warranty handling processes.

What our clients say about us?

 

“Mills & Reeve really delivered on our behalf - they completely understood our commercial objectives and remained outcome driven throughout. The were nothing less than superbly professional and a complete pleasure to deal with. We couldn't have achieved what we have without them. ”

Martin Wallace, Managing Director and CEO

Robinsons Motor Group

Our lawyers

Our team consists of lawyers with in-depth automotive expertise, some have even worked in-house within the industry. Many are recognised as thought-leaders, and are often invited to contribute to events and consultations.

Autonomous vehicles

We talked to the University of Salford about their autonomous vehicles degree courses and the future of driverless vehicles.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

We help you keep pace with the changes, challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving landscape.