Government hosts reception for industry leaders to promote Ultra Low Carbon Vehicles

Seventy companies from the automotive sector across the world were represented at an event on 29th September hosted by the Business Minister Mark Prisk ahead of the Paris Motor Show.

An international line up of manufacturers and suppliers attended the Reception at the British Embassy to take a fresh look at what the UK can offer potential investors in terms of engineering expertise, skilled workforce, innovation and cutting edge design as the UK aims to take the lead in low carbon automotive technologies.

With the first European mass market hybrid vehicle being built in the UK, the first hybrid engine built outside of Japan, the first mass market pure electric car and a major electric battery plant, the UK can demonstrate the wide range of new, low carbon and related business opportunities available to potential investors in the UK automotive industry.

Vibrant new clusters emerging from the transition to a low carbon economy

Mark Prisk said, ‘Many automotive companies have already found that the UK can offer a sound business investment opportunity. It’s a message that the Automotive Council and the Government as a full partner in the Council wants to spread further. We are already seeing vibrant new clusters emerging from the transition to a low carbon economy and we want to encourage even greater growth as the market demand for low and ultra low carbon vehicles takes hold.’

The Business Minister was accompanied to the event and the Paris Motor Show by the Co-Chairman of the Automotive Council, Richard Parry-Jones. He said, ‘We are in Paris to meet the key decision makers in the global automotive industry. Our message is that the UK automotive sector has been transformed over the last decade and that the UK Government is strategically committed.

‘The UK is a uniquely attractive country in which to invest, especially in innovative low carbon transport R&D. We have a very competitive, strong and diverse vehicle industry and companies from around the world are achieving their goals by taking full advantage of the UK's world class universities, innovative companies and strong skill base.

‘For companies already investing in the UK, there are significant opportunities to increase local sourcing. The Automotive Council UK is working to help them realise these opportunities fast.’