This week SMMT was at the launch of the London EV Infrastructure Delivery Plan, put together via a multi-stakeholder Task Force, with SMMT playing a key role representing UK Automotive in the discussions. We share the mayor’s vision for a zero emission capital and the plan sets out ambitious targets but getting people into electric cars will take more than ambition – everyone will need to play their part.
The motor industry is already driving this change – initiatives such as the London plan are only possible thanks to the billions invested by automotive companies in developing the latest ultra low emission vehicles and bringing them to market. To ensure widespread adoption of zero emission vehicles, however, we will need long-term financial incentives in place and substantial investment in charging infrastructure.
Transforming the industry isn’t just about technology, of course. Most people you speak to will say that we need to increase diversity but making it a reality is a long-term project. This is why we’re proud to partner with Autocar on the Great British Women in the Car Industry programme that this week named the top 100 female rising stars.
The overall winner was Emma King, Senior Purchasing Manager of EV battery cells for Ford, who has made a significant contribution to the firm’s electrification strategy across the EU, US and China, but the calibre of all of the nominees this year was exceptional. There has arguably never been a more exciting time to be part of the motor industry, with transformational changes in view. As we try to meet the changing mobility needs of society it’s crucial that our workforce becomes more representative of society at large recruiting the best regardless of background.
We will be discussing many of these mobility challenges at our International Automotive Summit on Tuesday, welcoming an exciting range of speakers on a packed agenda. It promises to be a great day, and we look forward to seeing you there.
