The North East Automotive Expo is one of the highlights of the automotive manufacturing calendar. Taking place every September at the Beacon of Light in Sunderland, it brings together the supply chain for invaluable industry insights and peer to peer networking.
And we were delighted to apply our design expertise and creative energy to the event once again.
Expo organiser the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) commissioned us to create a fresh new look for the 2026 expo, produce digital assets and design the expo guide.
And to celebrate 40 years of Nissan in Sunderland, we also created a huge 11-metre wall graphic, which took centre-stage in the expo hall on September 24. It displayed a timeline of Nissan’s journey in North East England, from its opening by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1986, to the launch of the first 100% electric Juke, scheduled to go on sale next year.
And the wall proved to be a trip down memory lane for many delegates we talked to, who fondly remembered their first Micras, Primeras and Qashqais!
Laura Gage, Marketing and PR Manager for the North East Automotive Alliance, said: “Horizon Works played a key role in helping us bring the North East Automotive Expo 2026 to life. From refreshing the expo branding and designing the guide to creating an eye-catching 11-metre timeline celebrating Nissan’s 40-year manufacturing legacy in Sunderland, the quality of the work was exceptional.
“The refreshed branding gave the expo a modern, professional look, while the timeline graphic made a real impact when produced at full scale.
“The Horizon Works team were a pleasure to work with throughout: responsive, creative, flexible, and always willing to accommodate changing requirements.
“We were delighted with the outcome and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for design and branding projects.”
Samantha Vassallo, Managing Director of Horizon Works, said: “As a founding member of the NEAA, we’ve seen first-hand how the organisation drives collaboration in the sector and helps businesses grow within it. And for more than a decade, the NEAA has been there for its members through the peaks and troughs of the sector. It’s an organisation which is very close to our hearts.
“The North East Automotive Expo is one of the cornerstones of the NEAA’s activities, so we were very proud to bring our creative expertise to the event again this year, and to support Laura and the team in its promotion.”
We’ve delivered a variety of creative projects for the North East Automotive Alliance – you can view them here.