The British Government’s business minister Lord Mandelson has announced that the Government is setting up a new ‘Automotive Council’ to address the long-term strategic challenges facing the UK car industry.
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The move is part of the Government’s positive response to the wide ranging recommendations made in a report from the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team (NAIGT) published earlier this year, setting out its 20-year vision for the automotive industry.
The Council will be chaired jointly by Lord Mandelson and by ex-Ford boss Richard Parry-Jones.
The Automotive Council will be tasked with taking forward the agreed actions from the NAIGT report including the importance of the technology road maps and developing a stronger supply chain.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “The Automotive Council will be an opportunity for Government and industry to work together on the long term strategic development of the sector. The car industry needs to capitalise on the economic opportunities and job creation offered by the shift to low carbon.
“I am delighted that Richard Parry-Jones will be continuing the good work he started with NAIGT as chairman of the Automotive Council.”
Automotive Council Chairman Richard Parry-Jones said: “I’m delighted to co-chair the Automotive Council and take forward the long term strategic agenda laid out in the NAIGT report. The UK must raise its game to compete for international investment in automotive R&D and manufacturing.
“To do that, the UK’s car manufacturers need an ever more strategic, collaborative relationship with the Government and to be working with the supply chain and other stakeholders to achieve long term goals. I want the Council to make that happen”.
The first meeting is expected to be held in December.
See also: UK: Automakers, traders, welcome government initiative
