SMMT President and Ford of Britain chairman, Joe Greenwell has spoken of his optimism for the future of the UK motor industry in a keynote speech given this evening (10 May 2010) in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Cranfield University’s Automotive Product Engineering MSc course.
Addressing an audience of current students, alumni and industry representatives, Mr Greenwell spoke of the window of opportunity presented to the automotive sector through the transition to low carbon transportation. Speaking of the renewed enthusiasm for manufacturing among political circles and the strategic partnership formed between government and the industry, he expressed the commitment industry had placed on ensuring the UK becomes a global leader in environmental technology.
Stressing the importance of world-class training throughout the sector, he said, “The skills fostered in this country, through courses such as this one here at Cranfield, are utilised across the global industry. These skills are a key export product and one that we should be immensely proud of. This course is a jewel in the automotive industry’s crown and one that SMMT will continue to champion as we encourage new generations to work within UK automotive at what I think is an incredibly exciting time.”
A full transcript of Mr Greenwell’s speech can be downloaded here.
