Business and energy secretary Greg Clark has announced a landmark Sector Deal between the government and automotive sector that will further develop the collaborative relationship as well as build upon the strength of the UK automotive industry. Greg Clark explained that for “decades, the UK’s automotive industry has powered our economy forward. Today, automotive firms from around the world choose to set up shop here, citing our history of excellence, skilled workforce and world-leading supply chains.”
Clark continues: “The automotive sector will shape our response to the Grand Challenges articulated in our Industrial Strategy, such as Clean Growth and the Future of Mobility – transformations which will forever change how people live, work and travel.”
Therefore, the deal outlines a joint venture of how both the government and automotive industry can continue to work together to work towards establishing the UK as the world leader in the future of mobility, aiming to meet the Future of Mobility and Clean Growth Grand Challenges.
Areas that joint investment and commitment will be focused on, as per the deal, include research, development and manufacture of ultra-low and zero emission vehicles and battery technology. Likewise, there will be a focus on the design and development of connected and autonomous vehicles.
To further support this venture, the government is to invest £26.4 million, which is to be match-funded by industry to total £52.8 million. This will be used towards the development of the next generation of driverless and low-carbon vehicles. Flagship projects will be led by Jaguar Land Rover, Ford and GKN.
“As ever, partnership will be pivotal,” says Clark, “As a result of the Sector Deal, both government and industry will invest about a quarter of a billion pounds to develop and manufacture electric vehicles, create a world-leading testing environment for connected and autonomous vehicles and invest in a new industry-led programme to raise the competitiveness of UK suppliers to match the best in Europe.”
Clark adds: “we will continue to work with industry to make sure the technologies of tomorrow are developed, tested and manufactured right here in the UK.”
