Automotive Council first
December 14th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
AUTOMOTIVE Council members have met for the first time to start strengthening industry-Government links.
The inaugural meet kicked off with a big £19 million competition to boost UK low carbon vehicle projects.
Lord Mandelson and Professor Richard Parry Jones are co-chairman of the Council, which aims to secure a UK car industry future.
SMMT top man Paul Everitt was there, and he said the first meeting ‘marks a significant development in the relationship between the motor industry and UK Government.
‘It signals a new and more collaborative approach.’ This, he explained, will help put the UK at the forefront of green eco tech.
And it’s already having results, he explained – ‘the commitment by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and the Technology Strategy Board to provide an additional £19 million to fund supply chain projects for ultra-low carbon vehicles.
‘This provides an important signal about the influence of the Council and provides real opportunities for companies that want to be at the forefront of new technologies.’
There’s plenty more to come from the Council, he said – it’s going to set out a co-ordinated and strategic approach to the sector. There’s even a Supply Chain Council and Technology Council to lead specific areas of work.
What work do you want to see the Automotive Council do for car dealers?
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Tags: automotive council, government, mandelson