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Former Ford boss heads UK automotive investment drive

Former chairman of Ford, Joe Greenwell, has been announced as the lead for the Government’s new Automotive Investment Organisation (AIO).

Business Secretary Vince Cable introduced Mr Greenwell as head of the £3m campaign to attract inward investment to the UK.

The Government’s upcoming automotive industrial strategy report will stress the need for investment from overseas, and the AIO will be led by UKTI with strategic direction from the Automotive Council.

Mr Greenwell said: “I have worked in the automotive industry for many years so I understand the challenges of maintaining the levels of success we’ve seen recently in the auto sector.

“As head of the Automotive Investment Organisation, my job will be to promote why the UK is a GREAT supply chain investment opportunity, increase R&D investment and strengthen our relationships overseas with global manufacturers.”

Dr Cable, who is also co-chair of the Automotive Council, said: “On average only a third of the parts that go into cars manufactured here are sourced from the UK. We know that global manufacturers in the UK want to buy more from the UK.

“As the former chair of a global automotive company, Joe Greenwell brings all the experience that the Automotive Investment Organisation needs. He will help to build on the success of the unprecedented investment we have seen in the UK automotive sector and encourage a more extensive supply chain.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .