Business Minister Mark Prisk visits France today to host a special event ahead of the Paris Motor Show. He will urge leading automotive companies to invest in UK.
Seventy companies from the automotive sector across the world are expected to be represented at tonight’s event which will be held at the British Embassy in Paris. Mr Prisk will highlight to his guests the wealth of engineering skills available in the UK as well as national strength in innovation, design and emerging technologies such as low carbon.
Eleven of the world’s volume vehicle manufacturers have manufacturing facilities in the UK, including Toyota and Nissan who have recently chosen British bases for the production of the new green models the Toyota Auris and the Nissan Juke.
These investments, which represent 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, prove that the UK is still considered a hub for high end manufacturing by global leaders however continued investment will be needed in order to meet deficit reduction targets and to cement the UKs competitive position in the global market.
Mark Prisk said: “I’m delighted that such a large number of prestigious international companies are attending this event. 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.
“The Government is committed to creating the right business conditions for success and industry wants to source more from the UK. 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 will be accompanied to the event and the Paris Motor Show by the co-chairman of the Automotive Council, Richard Parry-Jones. They will be meeting top executives from a number of UK and global manufacturers and suppliers.
Professor Richard Parry-Jones 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.”
