Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has announced a £19 million competition for projects which focus on strengthening the UK's low and ultra low carbon vehicle capabilities.
Speaking at the first meeting of the Automotive Council, Lord Mandelson said: “This investment is another important step for the UK towards a low carbon economy. The Government is committed to targeting areas where there is potential to build on existing capabilities and deliver global competitive advantage and economic benefit for the UK.
“This latest competition will reinforce the Automotive Council’s focus on both supply chain and technology. Both these areas will be vital if the mass production of low carbon vehicles in the UK is to become a reality.”
The government-backed Technology Strategy Board is putting £10 million into this new Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform competition and will run it in partnership with the cross-government Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
The Department for Transport (DfT) is putting £9 million into the competition that will be focusing on technology development and expanding the UK supply chain.
According to transport secretary Andrew Adonis, “the UK can be a world leader in low carbon transport which is why the Government has already committed around £400 million of support to encourage development and uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles.”
