Member Article

Low carbon at the heart of automotive strategy

The Government have outlined a new automotive industrial strategy for the UK, including over £1bn investment in engine research.

A new Advanced Propulsion Centre is the centrepiece of the strategy to support new technology and supply chains for low carbon vehicles.

The strategy was launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by the Business Secretary and puts low carbon vehicles at the heart of a 20-30 year plan.

Dr Cable said: “With the next generation of vehicles set to be powered by radically different technologies we need to maintain this momentum and act now. Our industrial strategy will ensure we keep on working together to make our automotive industry a world leader.”

27 manufacturers and supply chain companies have backed the research agenda and the Government hope 30,000 jobs will be created in the process.

As part of the strategy, the Technology Strategy Board has launched a £10m competition to fast track projects for the commercialisation through the Advanced Propulsion Centre.

£3m will be used to set up the Automotive Investment Organisation which aims to drive inward investment to the uK.

A target for the recruitment of more than 7,600 apprentices and 1,700 graduates, over the next five years, has also been established.

Former Ford R&D chief, Richard Parry-Jones is the co-chair of the Automotive Council with Dr Cable. He said: “Businesses prefer consistency, stability and a clear path to the future in order to make investment plans.

“Driving Success, the automotive industrial strategy, sets out how industry will work together with the government over the next 20 or 30 years. This is critical to sustaining and growing a thriving UK automotive sector in a highly competitive global industry.”

Nissan senior, John Martin, welcomed the news. He said: “Nissan was involved with the UK Government in developing the UK Automotive Industrial Strategy which is being published today. As the largest car manufacturer in the history of the UK motor industry we are fully committed to supporting its implementation.

“The leadership and support from the Government at all levels in developing the strategy has been fantastic and has really helped to understand and prioritise the long term issues that the nation and the industry have to tackle to maintain the UK’s leadership in vehicle and engine manufacturing.

“The Automotive strategy follows hot on the heels of the recently launched Aerospace Industrial Strategy. Both are unique within Europe and both are a great example of industry and Government working together to address common issues and foster growth.

“Over the next two years Nissan will have invested more than £1bn in the UK to support our innovative and exciting new model range including Qashqai, Juke, Note and the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. Our workforce recently went over 6,000 for the very first time to support a planned increased in production to beyond 550,000 cars per year in the near future.”

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