Skip to main content
CLOSE

Charities

Close

Corporate and Commercial

Close

Employment and Immigration

Close

Fraud and Investigations

Close

Individuals

Close

Litigation

Close

Planning, Infrastructure and Regeneration

Close

Public Law

Close

Real Estate

Close

Restructuring and Insolvency

Close

Energy

Close

Entrepreneurs

Close

Private Wealth

Close

Real Estate

Close

Tech and Innovation

Close

Transport and Infrastructure

Close
Speak to us

Automotive

The automotive sector is one of the pillars of the UK’s economy, and as we head towards the 2050 net zero target, its role is more vital than ever. The impact on businesses and individuals of the shift to EVs and alternative fuels is significant, and with our sector expertise, we can help guide you through the legal issues.

The automotive sector

As we head towards the second quarter of the twenty-first century, few industries are undergoing such radical change as the car industry. The requirement for sound legal advice for manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders has never been so vital. Our clients in the automotive sector benefit from a wealth of relevant experience among our lawyers. This includes an ex-motoring journalist and a Fellow Member of the Institute of the Motor Industry. Whether we are helping dealerships with their portfolios, advising car manufacturers on their rights, or advising suppliers on their commercial arrangements, our understanding of the automotive sector helps to give our clients the edge in negotiations and enables us to deliver advice that is truly tailored to their needs.

Auto-Biography

As the automotive sector shifts gear towards renewable and sustainable energy, we’re delighted to launch Auto-Biography. This monthly series of interviews shares the work and experiences of key figures in the automotive sector. Driven by legal director Toby Richards-Carpenter, the articles explore the stories, insights, and predictions of those behind the wheel of this fast-moving sector. They also demonstrate the importance of seeking legal advice along the way.

auto - biography

Our expertise

  • Acting for a major car manufacturer in the protection of its rights in relation to the impact of the HS2 development.
  • Advising an automotive trade body on the rules around electoral campaigning.
  • Trusted legal advisers to a creative agency in the automotive and mobility space.
  • Legal advisers to various national EV charging providers.
  • Advising a car dealership group on its sale to one of the UK’s leading automotive retail and leasing groups.
  • Acted for an AI software developer, being a leading developer of synthetic data cloud for driver monitoring systems for the automotive industry, on a $7 million fundraise.
  • We are the UK’s leading legal advisers on all forms of road charging schemes.
  • We have promoted numerous Development Consent Orders for National Highways, including the Lower Thames Crossing, the UK’s largest road project since the M25.

Speak to our automotive lawyers to find out how we can help you

Questions asked by our Clients

  • 1 Can you advise on the laws surrounding autonomous vehicles?

    Yes, we can. We are tracking the progress of the Automated Vehicles Bill  through Parliament and stand ready to advise clients on how this may affect them or their businesses.

  • 2 I am a supplier in the automotive sector. Can you advise me on commercial contracts?

    Our experienced team of commercial lawyers is able to advise on all aspects of commercial contracts, from bespoke agreements to standard supplier or customer terms and conditions. You can find out more about the BDB Pitmans commercial team here.

  • 3 Do you advise on intellectual property matters within the Automotive sector?

    Protecting your automotive brand is key to your success. We are experts in advising on the creation and protection of intellectual property, from copyright matters to trade marks to design rights and beyond. To find out more, please reach out to our intellectual property and brand protection team.

  • 4 Are data protection matters within BDBP’s expertise?

    All businesses need to be concerned with data protection compliance, and that is true at every level of the automotive supply chain. We can help guide you and your business through the complexities of GDPR and UK data protection law. Find out more here.

  • 5 I am looking to sell my automotive business; can you assist?

    Our experienced corporate lawyers would be pleased to advise on the sale of your automotive business. We take a robust but pragmatic approach to negotiations to ensure we add value for our clients, and our automotive sector knowledge helps to place you at an advantage. Please reach out to our corporate team.

  • 6 Can you handle the cross-border elements of a transaction?

    The international aspects of the automotive industry are fundamental to its operation, and as members of the Lexwork international network of law firms, we can ensure that you are able to obtain advice in the relevant local jurisdiction. We will liaise with our overseas law firm partners as necessary to ensure you receive a fully integrated service.

  • 7 I've become embroiled in a dispute; how can BDB Pitmans help?

    Our litigation team can advise on all aspects of dispute resolution, from preparing a letter before action through negotiating a settlement, mediation, and, if required, court proceedings. Learn more about our litigation team’s experience.

  • 8 My automotive business is looking to raise investment– what should I do next?

    Our corporate team would be pleased to discuss and advise on your proposed debt or equity fundraising from an early stage, guiding you through the required documentation and ensuring your interests are protected. Please get in touch with the team here.

  • 9 I am having some issues with employees or workers; what are my next steps?

    We understand that problems can arise in the workplace even with the most well-run automotive businesses, and our experienced team of employment lawyers is well placed to advise on all aspects of a workplace dispute, from negotiations to handling a dismissal to guiding you through a tribunal claim. On the non-contentious side, we can also assist with drafting employment-related documents such as service agreements and employee handbooks and advise on a TUPE process. Please get in touch with the employment team.

  • 10 My business is seeking to enter into a joint venture; can BDB Pitmans handle it?

    The automotive sector is characterised by joint ventures, mergers, affiliations, and consolidation as businesses seek to achieve economies of scale or exploit new business opportunities by working together. We understand the complexities involved in advising on a joint venture between two businesses and can advise on all stages, from heads of terms through to completion. Our corporate team would be delighted to hear from you; please do reach out to them.

  • 11 I am looking to acquire an automotive business; how might BDB Pitmans assist?

    The automotive sector is constantly evolving and is currently in a period of unprecedented change. This provides opportunities for businesses to expand by making acquisitions, and our corporate team is here to help throughout the journey of the transaction, from the heads of terms stage through legal due diligence, preparing and negotiating the transaction documents, and seeing matters through to completion. You can contact the corporate team here.

Our Offices

London
One Bartholomew Close
London
EC1A 7BL

Cambridge
50/60 Station Road
Cambridge
CB1 2JH

Reading
The Anchorage, 34 Bridge Street
Reading RG1 2LU

Southampton
4 Grosvenor Square
Southampton SO15 2BE

 

Reading
The Anchorage, 34 Bridge Street
Reading RG1 2LU

Southampton
4 Grosvenor Square
Southampton SO15 2BE

  • Lexcel
  • CYBER ESSENTIALS PLUS

© BDB Pitmans 2024. One Bartholomew Close, London EC1A 7BL - T +44 (0)345 222 9222

Our Services

Charities chevron
Corporate and Commercial chevron
Employment and Immigration chevron
Fraud and Investigations chevron
Individuals chevron
Litigation chevron
Planning, Infrastructure and Regeneration chevron
Public Law chevron
Real Estate chevron
Restructuring and Insolvency chevron

Sectors and Groups

Private Wealth chevron
Real Estate chevron
Transport and Infrastructure chevron