UK 'to be green tech leader' - cars-
11-05-2009
Britain’s car industry could be reborn as a world leader in developing green technology, and could get proper long-term government planning for its future, if the recommendations in a new report from leading industry figures are implemented.
The report sets out plans to nurture British car companies and set up an infrastructure that would ensure design and manufacturing takes place here. The industry-led New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team, which produced the document, says that number of jobs in the UK automotive industry shrunk by 110,000 between 1997 and 2007. It says that what is left of the sector is fragile and blames the government for being ambivalent.
One of the problems the NAIGT highlights is the significant overseas ownership of both major assembly plants and their supporting Tier 1 suppliers. This limits the amount of R&D work that can be carried out in the UK and leaves the UK competing as an “assembly location only”.
By setting up a joint industry/government Automotive Council to implement a long-term plan, it is hoped that the UK’s car industry will emerge as a world leader in environmentally friendly transport. The report sets out a 20-year scheme to develop a new low-carbon personal transport system and its infrastructure, dubbed ‘Test Bed UK’.
The technology development, including the pilot, is estimated to cost around £1bn over 10 years, and could establish the UK as a world leader in car production.
Richard Parry-Jones, chairman of the NAIGT, said there would be a wide range of benefits. “It could create 100,000 jobs, and if we reskill a workforce in manufacturing it would spill over and benefit other industries,” he said.
The recommendations have been welcomed by the industry.Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, told Autocar that the key is more collaboration within the industry. He said, “With the shift to ultra-low-carbon vehicles, there is the opportunity for new viable businesses to develop, and as time goes by they may be able to carve out bigger opportunities.”
Ollie Stallwood
www.autocar.co.uk/
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- Autocar
- Joined Oct 09, 2007
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UK 'to be green tech leader'
Britain’s car industry could be reborn as a world leader in developing green technology, and could get proper long-term government planning for its future, if the recommendations in a new report from leading industry figures are implemented. The report sets out plans to nurture British car companies and set up an infrastructure that would ensure design and manufacturing takes place here. The industry-led New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team, which produced the document, says that num... Read the full article | |
- Dan McNeil
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Re: UK 'to be green tech leader'
 Autocar:The industry-led New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team, which produced the document, says that number of jobs in the UK automotive industry shrunk by 110,000 between 1997 and 2007. It says that what is left of the sector is fragile and blames the government for being ambivalent. Very amusing. Always somebody else's fault. Nothing to do with the automotive industry being completely inept (producing too many of the wrong cars at the wrong prices that nobody wants) and not seeing the writing on the wall.
"Art is a pharmaceutical for imbeciles." Francis Picabia. | |
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- madaxeman
- Joined Feb 11, 2009
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Re: UK 'to be green tech leader'
So another excuse to get more government funding ? We cannot borrow more money to put into this industry ! The pot is empty !! | |
- Stephen Guckel
- Joined Oct 25, 2007
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Re: UK 'to be green tech leader'
If we can, great.
But a cynical electorate, will have to be convinced.
I am very open minded, but no British Government has ever convinced me that they are the repository of wisdom.
My first reaction to their announcements is, ultimately, disappointment.
...'T'is too much proved, that with devotions visage and pious action, we do sugar o'er the devil himself... | |
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- tomisdadude
- Joined Dec 11, 2008
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Re: UK 'to be green tech leader'
If im honest I doubt we can do this and the government never has been supporting the car industry why would they support it now.
I think the goverment will only allow vehicles like G-WIZ's and Prius's to be made in these eco factory NOT cars we actually want and shouldnt they protect the Vauxhall factories from being shut down by Fiat instead of making new factories surely the current factories can meet there plans with investment. | |
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- catnip
- Joined Jan 23, 2009
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Re: UK 'to be green tech leader'
Dan McNeil:
Very amusing. Always somebody else's fault. Nothing to do with the automotive industry being completely inept (producing too many of the wrong cars at the wrong prices that nobody wants) and not seeing the writing on the wall.
Spot on!
Of course, the SMMT will love this publication, they already have a lot to answer for with this scrappage scheme, in my opinion | |
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- TStag
- Joined Mar 12, 2009
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Re: UK 'to be green tech leader'
I think the current Government may actually be more interested in this now because they have just spent 1.3 trillion pounds trying to bail out the UK's banks. The Government was keen at one time to back financial services and banking to the hilt because they thought it could replace the likes of car making.
But here's the problem. Like Iceland we became to dependant on banks for exports and now those banks have failed we the tax payer on the hook for billions and we now owe billions all over the world. The Pound is on the floor because we owe the world a fortune and we don't make anything. Rebuilding manufacturing looks more attractive right now. It probably feels more honest. And Green is the buzzword...
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- Orangewheels
- Joined Dec 29, 2008
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Re: UK 'to be green tech leader'
Well no-one else is willing to invest in the UK right now so it may as well be us.
Other countries seem very willing to invest in their own manufacturing bases.
Unfortunately the current governments view seems to be prop up the banking system at all costs and let everything else rot, and if people complain, make a few pointless token gestures as long as they dont cost much or commit us to actually doing anything.
Mr Parry-Jones is hugely respected in the industry for his achevements with Ford Europe, so I do tend to have a little time for what he says - this isnt a government report or a begging letter - the UK has traditionally been at the forefront of motor tech - just look at how many F1 teams are based here.
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