A group of head teachers and careers advisers were given a rare, behind-the-scenes look into McLaren’s manufacturing facilities during a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre.

Today government published its ‘Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy’ – a move welcomed by SMMT as it demonstrates the range of measures being taken to support ultra-low carbon vehicles in the UK.

The UK Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF), based at the University of East Anglia (UEA), has invested £400,000 in new automotive technologies designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

A report published today by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) concludes that more needs to be done to meet the 2025 greenhouse gas emissions target, but has praised the efforts of UK automotive in tackling climate change.

Manufacturing Minister Mark Prisk joined teachers and careers officers as Toyota opened the doors of its UK factories to launch its support for See Inside Manufacturing, a national initiative to inspire young people to take up careers in manufacturing and engineering.

Gordon Murray Design today unveiled its ‘ultra compact city vehicle’ the T.27 – described as the world’s most efficient electric car. The £9 million design and development programme was made possible through a £4.5 million investment from Technology Strategy Board.

Johnson Matthey Plc, the speciality chemicals company and world leading catalyst manufacturer, in association with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Automotive Council UK, today hosted a careers development day for careers advisers and senior science, technology and engineering staff. The event was held at Johnson Matthey’s headquarters in Royston, Hertfordshire.

Today, SMMT released figures for May pre-registrations in the UK new car market. The data shows the number of cars disposed of in May 2011 that were defined as pre-registrations. Download release

Today, MINI Plant Oxford hosted a visit by careers advisers and teachers from local schools, joined by Business Secretary Vince Cable, as part of a government-industry initiative to highlight careers in manufacturing for young people.

Students across the country will get the chance to see one of the UK’s vanguard industries today (29 June) as companies in the automotive sector throw open their doors in a pilot for a new government initiative.