£130m automotive investment to support more than 1,800 UK jobs

More than 1,800 manufacturing jobs are set to be supported through almost £130m of investment in the UK automotive sector, as the Government backs the development of next-generation vehicle technologies.

Almost £65m of Government funding will be matched by industry investment, supporting projects focused on zero-emission and connected and automated vehicle technologies.

The funding is expected to support more than 1,800 jobs directly, alongside thousands more across the automotive supply chain.

Industry Minister Blair McDougall said: “Britain invented the modern motor industry and we’re determined to ensure the next generation of vehicles are designed and built here too.

“This investment will secure skilled jobs, strengthen our manufacturing heartlands and help drive the reindustrialisation of Britain.

“Through our Modern Industrial Strategy we’re backing working people and British businesses to deliver growth in every part of the country.”

Nearly £50m of Government funding has been awarded to automotive companies and research and development partners to help bring zero-emission vehicle technologies into large-scale production.

The investment is being delivered through the Government’s DRIVE35 programme, which is providing £4bn to support the automotive sector’s transition to electric vehicle manufacturing through to 2035.