UK Business Information / Automotive & Automotive Components
The UK automotive industry forms a vital component of the overall economy. More than 40 companies manufacture vehicles in the UK, ranging from global volume car-makers to premium manufacturers to specialist niche players.
UK spend on automotive R&D in 2007 was valued at £1.5 billion.
WEST MIDLANDS
The West Midlands has long been associated with manufacturing and, in particular, the automobile industry. International companies such as Jaguar, BMW, Aston Martin and JCB all have production plants, R&D units or HQ in the West Midlands.
More than 60% (by value) of UK automotive R&D is conducted in the region. 33% of all UK car manufacture took place within 37 miles of Birmingham in 2008. And 40% of all UK automotive employment is in the wider West Midlands region, giving the area unparalleled knowledge and expertise.
The University of Warwick is home to the internationally renowned WMG (formerly known as Warwick Manufacturing Group) and the International Automotive Research Centre. Significant research collaborations have taken place such as the recently completed £70m Premier Automotive Research & Development (PARD) programme with Jaguar Land Rover.
Coventry University is the largest School of Engineering in the UK and offers a number of automotive – specific courses. It is the only university in the world with a full-scale automotive design facility giving it a unique vehicle styling and design capability.
Birmingham University's Institute for Energy Policy and Research has significant capabilities in future power systems, hydrogen materials and supply chain research applied to clean hydrogen. The university is also home to the Birmingham Automotive Safety Centre and has further expertise in telematics.
Further information about the automotive industry in the West Midlands can be found on the Motor Industry Research Association website.
NORTH EAST
Over 220 automotive related companies can be found in the North East, employing in excess of 26,000 people with many more employed in dedicated support services such as research, development, logistics and training.
Nissan's Sunderland plant produces one in every four cars made in the UK and has been rated among the most efficient car plants in Europe for the last 8 years. The supply chain in the North east contains notable companies such as Hashimoto, Magna Kansei and Johnson Controls.
British Engines, Caterpillar, Cummins and Komatsu all have R&D and manufacturing operations in the region, too, generating extensive supply chains and automotive expertise.
New College Durham is a Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) with links to Nissan Manufacturing Ltd (UK).
EAST MIDLANDS
The East Midlands is home to the Silverstone Innovation Centre. Capitalising on the racetrack's global reputation, Silverstone has set up a purpose built innovation centre as a resource and trial space for businesses providing services to the motorsport sector.
