November’s Autoconference Wales 2003 has been postponed to next year, the Western Mail newspaper reported. It should have preceded this year’s Wales Rally GB, but the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) now want to showcase Wales’ motor sporting links instead.
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The WDA and Welsh Assembly government has been gradually increasing emphasis on the area’s motor sport industry as it bids to be recognised as a centre of excellence for rallying.
Earlier this month, trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt announced a £16 million fund to help sustain and develop the UK motorsport cluster as part of the new Automotive Academy.
The UK government has already indicated support for a Midlands based automotive academy and suggested satellite operations would support it.
No suggestion was made at the time that Wales would get recognition, although it has been working very hard behind the scenes for a slice of the government aid available.
Now it is believed that politicians in Wales will use the November exhibition as a launch pad for an announcement of a rallying and motor sporting partnership. This would bring together firms, venues, events, academia and public bodies.
Students and managers working in the motor sports industry in Wales and outside would be encouraged to follow courses in Wales as part of their career paths.
Autoconference Wales has been held for three years, twice in Cardiff and once in Newport. Last year there was dissatisfaction with its venue in the Cardiff docks with access only by bus.
The date and place of next year’s postponed auto conference has not yet been confirmed, but it could have trouble finding a spot in a busy international calendar.
