£25m investment creates 1,750 automotive jobs
At the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) Annual Dinner the secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, Greg Clark MP, announced further support for the research and development of low carbon vehicle technologies in the UK through a grant investment of £25m.
The grant will help build the future of two major UK automotive facilities, creating a total of 1,750 UK-jobs in the automotive industry.
Invested through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the funding will enable three R&D projects run by Jaguar Land Rover, Ford Motor Company and Arcola Energy to drive forward the development of low carbon propulsion technologies and its supply chains – including growing the UK’s capability for the production of electric drive units, a virtual product development process to support the electrification of future commercial vehicles and fuel cell electric powertrains for the bus and commercial vehicle sector.
Greg said, ‘Investing in these cutting-edge projects will ensure the UK is a leading destination for the innovation and manufacture of electric vehicle technologies and components.’
The projects are jointly valued at £54m, including the grant funding through the APC, and will save a potential 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 helping to address issues with air quality caused by commercial vehicles in urban areas and cities.
