Business Secretary Vince Cable took a ride in an Aston Martin when he visited the test track facilities at Gaydon near Warwick today .
Dr Cable also test drove Jaguar’s green car – the electric and petrol hybrid known as the Limo Green.
The prototype project is a collaboration with Lotus, Caparo and research organisation MIRA and has received funding from the Technology Strategy Board.
Whilst in the West Midlands, Cable will meet business groups and tour a multi-disciplinary research centre.
At the test track the Business Secretary spoke to apprentices and engineers from both companies about the progress being made by the UK to enhance its low carbon vehicle capabilities.
Cable said: “Driving an Aston Martin has always been a dream of mine. Fortunately for me Aston Martin took note and gave me the opportunity not only to test drive some of their cars but also to witness the high level of skills and engineering that go into making premium and niche cars in the UK.
“This is something in which the UK excels and our cars are exported all over the world.
The Business Secretary’s next stop will be the International Digital Laboratories at Warwick University in Coventry where Jaguar Land Rover have recently opened an advanced technology and research facility on the campus.
While at the university the Business Secretary will get behind the wheel of a racing car designed and made from sustainable and renewable materials that include chocolate, carrots and potatoes.
As the final part of his visit Dr Cable will take part in a roundtable at the International Digital Laboratories hosted by Business Voice WM where he will hear their views on growth in the region and proposed plans for local enterprise partnerships.
The automotive sector is worth over £10 billion to the UK economy and employs 180,000 people. Six per cent of the entire UK manufacturing workforce is directly employed in over 3,300 unique automotive businesses.
