The first of the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders' on-line seminars will broadcast on December 12 at 11 am when logistics management comes under the spotlight.

The SMMT expects to introduce the industry to more such seminars, also known as webinars, in the new year.

"Webinars are an important step in bringing a better service to the entire industry," said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan. "Many people who want to attend seminars are unable to spare the time to visit a venue. With this service they don't have to: we'll deliver the seminar straight to the PC and we don't have a ceiling on visitor numbers."

Four speakers will feature on the day, including representatives from Bosch and Renault.

Using case studies, they will show how a logistics tool called MMOG/LE has been implemented to help deliver world class materials planning and logistics management systems.

MMOG/LE is a self assessment tool used widely in Europe by vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers. It allows companies to measure existing performance against best practice, assessing different areas of logistics processes and was developed jointly by Odette and the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).

Odette's managing director and representatives of SMMT Industry Forum will also take part in the Webinar, providing background and in-depth analysis of how this simple tool was developed and operates in practice.

Participants need a PC and internet connection to join the webinar. Applications to join more than 100 delegates who have already signed up can be made via the SMMT web site at www.smmt.co.uk/downloads/webinar.html.