Today, as part of the MotorExpo event in Canary Wharf, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders hosted its annual International Automotive Summit, Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President and Executive Committee member, Nissan Motor Company gave the keynote speech to around 250 senior industry executives.
The environment and vehicle emissions was a key focus of Palmer’s address, citing growing worldwide demand for new cars, particularly in countries like China and India. His vision for the future is that “every car will feature electric motor propulsion of some kind” – a vision that Nissan is leading in the UK with its manufacture of batteries and pure electric vehicles at its manufacturing site in Sunderland.
Referencing the mobility of emerging markets, Palmer stated that investments being made into low carbon and zero emission mobility are just one example of why the automotive industry must remain as a core economic engine for the long-term future of the UK economy.
Key to realising the country’s growth potential is attracting the world’s biggest manufacturers and suppliers to base their operations in the UK. A major step in that direction was announced ahead of the SMMT Summit by Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business.
Led by experienced automotive industry executive, Joe Greenwell, and funded by up to £3 million over the next two years, the Automotive Investment Organisation will spearhead the campaign to attract inward investment to the UK. Continuing to attract investment from overseas into the UK is one of the main themes of the automotive industrial strategy that government will publish shortly.
The full speech by Andy Palmer can be downloaded here.
