Former Downing Street communications director, Alastair Campbell is to be a guest speaker at SMMT's annual dinner at the London Hilton on November 23, 2004.

He will speak at the event, following a keynote address by Dr Bernd Pischetsrieder, chairman of the board of management of Volkswagen AG and president of ACEA.

'People and Ideas - the future of automotive manufacturing in the UK' is the theme for this year's event which will attract around 1,000 senior motor industry executives.

Campbell will reply to Dr Pischetsrieder's address on issues relating to people development and innovation across the sector from the aftermarket through vehicle and component manufacturing, international development and retail sales.

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, said, 'We are delighted to have two globally recognised figures as our guests at the most prestigious dinner in the motor industry calendar. We are all looking forward to hearing Mr Campbell's insights into the role of communications in government and within the modern media.

For details of tickets contact Natasha Colne or Richard Sargood on 0845 450 4195.