Launching their annual report, the All Party Parliamentary Motor Group welcome impressive levels of growth in UK automotive and say there is no room for complacency to keep the sector driving ahead.
A vital part of the UK’s return to growth, the automotive sector is delivering around £12 billion in net value added to the economy. £6 billion has been invested by global vehicle manufacturers in the UK automotive industry. The automotive sector continues to be a leading exporter, creator of skilled jobs, and secures the UK as a location for inward investment.
The Group herald 2013, which saw publication of the first Automotive Sector Strategy, as a landmark year for the sector. The strategy was born from the work of the Automotive Council, an internationally unique collaboration mechanism between Government and industry.
Based on the APMG’s discussions with parliamentarians, ministers, and the industry over the last year, the report, Driving Ahead, looks at the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. The Group call on all parties in Westminster to unite around the delivery of automotive sector strategy to secure long term growth in the sector. The report also highlights that the Government must work collaboratively on a range of automotive issues, including low emission vehicles, air pollution and the future of inward investment.
The report highlights four key recommendations to the Government:
- The publication of the joint Government-industry Automotive Sector Strategy is an important statement of long-term commitment to the UK automotive industry and it’s priorities must be taken forward across Government departments and adopted by all political parties.
- £500 million funding for ultra-low emission vehicles is a huge opportunity and the Government must maximise this for industrial benefit, positioning the UK as a world leader in low carbon technology.
- A collaborative approach and concerted action to boost skills and supply chain capacity is critical for attracting investment into the automotive industry.
- Air pollution poses a serious risk to health and the Government must show leadership to promote the uptake of new technology and implement measures that drive behaviour change.
Launching the report, the Chair of the All Party Motor Group, Richard Burden MP said, “Just a few weeks ago Lewis Hamilton triumphed at Silverstone. For me the British Grand Prix is always an important opportunity to recognise our nation’s success in automotive more widely.
The UK’s automotive success is not just restricted to the race track. The automotive industry is our country’s largest sector in terms of exports and employs over 700,000 people in jobs ranging from repair to ultra-low emission vehicle design. Our report this year calls on all parties in Westminster to unite around the delivery of a long term strategy for automotive.
The All Party Group knows there is no room for complacency. From the barriers SMEs face in attracting investment to the issues of air quality and road transport, our meetings have explored a range of challenges and opportunities for the automotive sector.
We need concerted efforts by the Government and industry to ensure the automotive continues to drive ahead.”
Click through to read the All Party Motor Group’s annual report.
