This week, SMMT staged its annual Regional Forum, which visits a different part of the UK each year. This year’s host was Oxford, with an event that provided sought-after regional industry insights and networking opportunities for South East automotive businesses.
Given the importance of strong local partnerships, SMMT Regional Forum regularly attracts more than 200 senior automotive delegates, from a wide range of companies including vehicle manufacturers, global and local suppliers – and many representing light commercial vehicles, buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles, with the UK having a strong presence in all these sectors.
Among the partipants representing LCVs was Essex-based Ford of Britain. Lisa Brankin, Managing Director, discussed how the organisation had identified and delivered on the need for innovation, repurposing one of its sites to make electric drive units – components that will be central to the transition to zero cars and vans – and futureproofing jobs in the process.
Dr Andy Harris, Head of Research and Data Analytics of Wrightbus, whose parent company is Oxford-headquartered HydraB, spoke about how the bus sector is leading the charge on zero emission vehicles – and that their bus factory in Northern Ireland is producing more zero emission buses off the production line than the diesel equivalent. They are not resting on their laurels, however, with a new focus on introducing zero emission coaches – a sector that will be more difficult to decarbonise.
Meanwhile, Louis Jones, EV & Connected Services Director of Haddenham-headquartered DAF Trucks, spoke about the emergence of zero emission trucks over the last few years – starting with the Battery Electric Truck Trial and now the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme. He highlighted that earlier this year their factory in Leyland started having electric trucks roll off the product line – proving that British-built zero emission HGVs are viable on certain routes. With the development of mega-charging in the next few years, the case will stack up for greater fleet renewal.
Every year, Regional Forum proves every part of the country is a hotbed for innovation, which the UK is renowned for around the world. Developing regional business relationships between OEMs and suppliers can drive our industry’s growth and ensure the jobs, economic growth and decarbonisation that we need in the years to come.
ENDS
