U.K. Auto Industry Seeks Political Support for Private-Investment Incentives

Automotive manufacturing can drive U.K. economic recovery, enhance global competitiveness and lead the transition to a low-carbon future if incentives are in place to encourage private-sector investment.

This is the message the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is taking to U.K. political parties at their annual conferences over the next three weeks.

Government incentives for industry could produce cleaner vehicles such as Ford Transit Connect BEV.

SMMT will be targeting conference events expected to attract high-profile members of Parliament, local-government officials and policy advisers.

The industry lobbying group is seeking broad support for measures to encourage private-sector investment in research and development, specialized skills training and new plants and machinery.

“It is not a question of if investment in the global automotive industry will take place, but when and where it will happen,” SMMT CEO Paul Everitt says in a statement.

“The competition for high-value investment is intense, and it is essential the U.K. does all it can to win its share.”

Everitt says the domestic industry’s strength and resilience has been rewarded by new commitments to U.K. facilities from global auto makers.

“There are now real opportunities to strengthen the U.K. supply base and bring new investment into fast-emerging ultra-low-carbon technologies,” Everitt says.

“Targeted tax incentives and support programs can help trigger the private-sector investment needed to kick-start growth.”

The SMMT says it will present a position paper outlining its stance on low-carbon growth at the party conferences.

The paper will focus on government-led measures to ensure long-term investment in low-carbon technologies and specialized skills training, while raising consumer awareness of low-carbon options.