This week’s International Automotive Summit provided the perfect, high profile platform to launch our “Manifesto 2030: Automotive growth for a zero-emission future”. With it came the call for all political parties to commit to five pledges which would help drive the industry forward to a massive £106 billion electric vehicle production prize from now until the end of the next Parliament.
We are at a critical moment, and it is imperative to our decarbonisation goals that this government – and the next – not only commits to these pledges, but delivers on them. A green automotive transformation strategy; net zero mobility for all; the right skills for the future; a trade strategy that gives us the freedom to trade our products around the world; and affordable clean energy.
We are in the midst of the most fiercely competitive landscape of a generation and with the US pumping trillions of dollars into its green industries and the EU responding in kind, the UK must develop its own response, one that reflects our strengths and helps us win investment.
It was good news indeed then, to hear from both Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and Louise Haigh MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, who spoke of their respective ambitions to reinforce the automotive sector. We now eagerly await the government’s response and its strategy to secure the future of advanced manufacturing.
The foundations of the sector are strong. And the latest manufacturing figures – out today – show an industry which, despite the undoubtedly challenging economic conditions, is recovering. With car production up for the fourth consecutive month and CV output recording its best May performance since 2008, there is more optimism in the sector after an incredibly difficult few years.
With ongoing demand for British-built cars and vans, the industry is well placed to continue to deliver robust growth – and green growth at that – for the economy and society. But success is not guaranteed, we must ensure that the UK remains competitive for advanced manufacturing.
Lastly, my thanks go to everyone involved in organising the Summit, all attendees, speakers, hosts, panellists and partners – AutoTrader, DHL, Pinsent Masons, Shoosmiths, STFC, Tata Consultancy Services and Teneo – without which such events could not happen.
