The UK car industry is at an all time high with the market continuing to grow throughout July extending the market record of month-on-month growth to 29 consecutive months.
Despite these impressive levels of growth within the automotive sector, MPs are calling on the government to turn the focus towards more investment into the development and research for greener vehicles.
The high spirits within the UK auto industry is certainly leaving no room for complacency as the plans to pump money into lower carbon technology are being set in an attempt to make Britain a world leader in such low emission cars.
MPs feel this is the right area to invest in, warning of the dangers and potential health issues that air pollution is bringing to the UK. The rising auto industry also shows great opportunity for the uptake of new technologies and measures that will prevent so much pollution being caused on UK roads.
Birmingham Northfield MP Richard Burden, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Motor Group said: “The automotive industry is our country’s largest sector in terms of exports and employs over 700,000 people in jobs ranging from repair to ultra-low emission car design.
“Our report this year calls on all parties in Westminster to unite around the delivery of a long term strategy for automotive.
“The all party group knows there is no room for complacency. From the barriers SMEs face in attracting investment to the issues of air quality and road transport, our meetings have explored a range of challenges and opportunities for the automotive sector.
“We need concerted efforts by the Government and industry to ensure the automotive continues to drive ahead.”
In their annual report, the All Party Parliamentary Motor Group highlighted the £12 million in net value that the auto industry had contributed to the economy, with £6 billion being invested into the UK auto industry by global vehicle manufacturors.
MPs now want to ensure that this industry rise is long term with parties in Westminster uniting over the Government’s automotive sector strategy and a hope of continued growth. The automotive sector strategy is set to cover a wide range of automotive issues amongst which are the trail blazing of greener technologies and the future of inward investment.
The All Party Parliamentary Motor Group backed the Government announcement of a £500 million spend towards the low-emission plight in 2013 and emphasised that this could help the UK towards becoming a world leader in such technologies.
Just a few of the key elements outlined in the support package from 2013 include:
- £100m for ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicles) specific research and development
- Over £30m for other ULEV types including vans
- £20m for ULEV taxis
- £30m for low emission buses
The whole support package is designed as a long-term, innovative strategy that will only go to push the UK leading the way for low emission vehicles.
And with the market up on new car registrations by more than 6 per cent on last year, the industry seems to be paving the way for a very bright (green) future.