Derby City Council has signed a partnership agreement with Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK), that will allow the region to explore, develop and deliver mobility solutions for the future.
The strategic partnership, named Toyota-Derby Revolution in Energy and Access to Mobility (T-DREAM) will see the two organisations work together to develop innovative mobility solutions and take progressive action to tackle climate change.
The partnership said they will work together to explore these high-level issues, and find where shared skills, knowledge and expertise can improve the quality of life in Derby and the surrounding area.
Paul Simpson, chief executive at Derby City Council, said: “Our ambition is to support thriving economies, build sustainably, and create stronger urban communities.
“Covid-19 has demonstrated what is possible when we work together; creating an environment to deepen and extend our relationships. It is vital to our recovery to reach beyond organisational boundaries and across sectors, as well as local and national boundaries, to build partnerships.
“This agreement signals a shared vision for deeper collaboration and creates a strategic partnership built on shared exploration and learning to support thriving economies, build sustainability, and create stronger urban communities.”
The collaboration will also build on work completed to further the city’s future fuels agenda. Last year, the council announced its strategy to become the UK’s centre of excellence for future fuel technologies; using the city’s advance engineering to revolutionise the way low-carbon energy is used to power businesses and transport.
Furthermore, the council will soon publish results of an extensive study into how hydrogen could be rolled out in Derby and across the Local Economic Partnership (D2N2) area.
Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, added: “Derby is the obvious place to support UK manufacturing, not just for the decarbonisation of transport, but to provide clean domestic and industrial energy, and support other regions with the transition to mass production of future fuels, with components, solutions and skills provided by Derby and the East Midlands.
“Mobility is vital. It reduces isolation and loneliness and improves social and economic resilience by connecting communities.
“We know that we need clean energy, and we need progressive action to tackle climate change. This partnership means we can build opportunities for our communities and the economy of the future.”
