Car Dealer Live 2026: Key Brands and Sessions for UK Automotive Professionals

Car Dealer Live 2026: A Premier Event for the UK Automotive Trade

For UK car dealers seeking to stay ahead of the curve in 2026, Car Dealer Live returns with a refreshed format designed to foster valuable connections and insights. The event, sponsored by Autotrader, will take place on March 19 at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, offering a crucial platform for industry professionals to navigate the evolving automotive landscape.

Enhanced Networking Opportunities

This year's event has been specifically redesigned to maximise networking potential. A dedicated networking area will be available during arrival coffees, breaks, and lunch, providing a dynamic space for automotive businesses to showcase their latest products and services. This creates an ideal environment for dealers to connect directly with solution providers and peers.

Exclusive Insights from Industry Leaders

The live stage will feature an impressive line-up of partners, including Autotrader, Google, Motorway, Impel, Keyloop, and Cox Automotive. Each will present exclusive research commissioned specifically for the event. Key topics set to be addressed include the significant rise of Chinese car manufacturers, practical strategies for dealers to tackle supply issues in 2026, and how artificial intelligence is transforming lead management for forward-thinking dealerships.

Innovative Brands in the Spotlight

In the networking area, dealers will have the chance to engage with several forward-thinking companies poised to make an impact. These include Brego, a specialist in used car valuations; DealerKit, a dealership management system (DMS) created by dealers for dealers; and Jigsaw Finance, a car finance broker with access to a panel of 30 funders. Also showcasing are UVeye, offering an AI-powered visual inspection system utilising 24 cameras, and Rallye Digital, which produces dynamic pricing displays for dealerships.

High-Profile Speakers and Panels

James Baggott, Editor in Chief of Car Dealer, expressed his enthusiasm for the calibre of participants. The event will be co-hosted by Baggott, James Batchelor, and Rebecca Chaplin. The agenda is packed with high-level contributions, starting with a headline interview featuring Peugeot Managing Director Nicola Dobson.

Delegates can also look forward to a manufacturer panel featuring executives from Suzuki, Dacia, and Subaru/Xpeng, alongside a dedicated session on Chinese challenger brands with representatives from BYD, Geely, Omoda & Jaecoo, and Chery. Furthermore, an independent car dealer panel will include IMDA chairman Umesh Samani, Really Easy Car Credit founder Steven Douglas, and Hilton Garage director George Manning. A social media masterclass will showcase dealers who have achieved significant success selling vehicles on social platforms.

Event Details and Ticket Information

Tickets for Car Dealer Live 2026 are available now. For trading car dealers, tickets are priced at £165 (excluding VAT), while supplier tickets are £335. For those travelling from afar, hotel packages are available, which include a room for the night before the event and access to a pre-event social gathering, facilitating further networking opportunities.

• Dealer ticket: £165 (ex. VAT)
• Supplier ticket: £335 (ex. VAT)
• Streaming ticket: £225 (ex. VAT)
• Dealer + Hotel package: £325 (ex. VAT)
• Supplier + Hotel package: £495 (ex. VAT)

The event promises to be an essential date in the diary for any UK automotive professional looking to gain a competitive edge in 2026.