British-built Cars More Popular Than Ever as UK Automotive Leaders Unite at Eiffel Tower Ahead of Paris Motor Show - Seite 2

Huge sums are invested into the UK to develop, manufacture and bring to market vehicles that are cleaner, more fuel efficient, safer and more advanced every year. When it comes to ultra low emission vehicles and plug-in cars in particular, the UK has a strong record, with a £1 billion joint industry-government  initiative to develop advanced propulsion technologies, while the UK ultra-low emission car market itself is the second fastest growing market in Europe after Spain.^[2]

Meanwhile, the UK is already earning a reputation as global development hub for connected and autonomous vehicles, thanks to significant industry and government investment. The ability to trial these cars on public roads - as a result of the UK not having ratified the Vienna convention some decades ago - has given the UK a two-year head start on many other countries. This offers huge growth potential for the UK as the development and introduction of these technologies could result in an annual £51 billion contribution to GDP by 2030, along with 300,000 new jobs created and 25,000 accidents prevented every year.

That the UK has grasped this opportunity is testament to its ability to adapt, lead and innovate. Thanks to early investment, expertise and an inherent commitment to technological advancement, UK Automotive is well placed to be at the forefront of these breakthrough technologies to make driving smarter, safer and cleaner.

Notes to Editors   

1 877,457 cars exported from UK in the year January-August 2016

2 ACEA data for Q2 2016

Hi-res graphics and images available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j0omnt2kglncdp6/AACYlh76c7ysmKfujhHaoopNa?dl=0

About SMMT and the UK automotive industry  

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media. 

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for more than £71.6 billion turnover and £18.9 billion value added. With some 169,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and 814,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 12.0% of total UK export of goods and invests £2.5 billion each year in automotive R&D. More than 30 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by more than 2,000 component providers and some of the world's most skilled engineers.

More detail on UK automotive available in SMMT's Motor Industry Facts 2016 publication at http://www.smmt.co.uk/facts16.

Broadcasters: SMMT has an ISDN studio and access to expert spokespeople, case studies and regional representatives.  

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