SMMT News UK Manufacturing

First Automotive Council meeting plans for motor industry”s future

10 December 2009 #SMMT News #UK Manufacturing
 
The Automotive Council, co-chaired by Lord Mandelson and Professor Richard Parry-Jones CBE, met for the first time today establishing a strategic partnership between industry and government. The Council, made up of a cross-section of senior motor industry representatives, agreed its key objectives were to help make the UK a compelling investment proposition for the global automotive industry,  promote the UK as a base for the development of low carbon vehicle technologies and to secure a strong UK supply industry.
 
Commenting on the meeting, Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive and Council member said, “This first meeting marks a significant development in the relationship between the motor industry and UK government. It signals a new and more collaborative approach, which will help sustain industrial capability and place the UK as a leader in the development and exploitation of low carbon vehicle technologies.
 
“I am delighted that one of the first results is the commitment by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and the Technology Strategy Board to provide an additional £19 million to fund supply chain projects for ultra-low carbon vehicles. This provides an important signal about the influence of the Council and provides real opportunities for companies that want to be at the forefront of new technologies,” he concluded.
 
The Automotive Council will oversee the development of a co-ordinated and strategic approach to the sector, with a Supply Chain Council and Technology Council leading specific areas of work.
 
 
Notes:
In May 2009, the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team released its report on the future of the UK motor industry. The report, compiled with input from a cross-section of senior industry executives considered the challenges and opportunities presented by the sector and set out a number of key recommendations to develop a strategic framework for future growth and development within the UK automotive industry.
 
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media. 
 
The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy with £51 billion turnover and £10 billion value added. With over 800,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for 65% of total manufacturing turnover and invests £1 billion each year in R&D. In the last ten years, huge strides have been made to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout the life cycle.  Improvements in production processes mean energy used to produce each vehicle is down 24%, water use is down 45% and 57% less waste enters landfill sites. Average tailpipe CO2 emissions have also been slashed and are down 20% compared to 1999 levels.  For more details, download SMMT’s tenth annual Sustainability Report or annual facts booklet from the SMMT website www.smmt.co.uk/category/reports/.
 
 
  

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