£130m for next-generation vehicles secures over 1,800 jobs

Britain’s automotive sector is set to benefit from nearly £130 million of investment to ramp up new cutting-edge zero-emission vehicle technologies and support skilled jobs nationwide as the Government focuses on delivering good growth in every postcode. Delivered through the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, the funding will support over 1,800 jobs – and thousands more in the supply chain – across the UK, helping to put more money in people’s pockets and ensure Britain is better off.

Auto firms and key R&D partners have been awarded nearly £50 million in government funding that will help businesses build and produce the zero-emission vehicle technologies of the future at scale – helping to drive economic growth while simultaneously making EVs cheaper for consumers.

This latest funding is delivered through the DRIVE35 programme – the biggest government investment into the UK’s car industry of the post-war era, with £4 billion to 2035 – speeding up the electrification of the automotive industry. This builds on the Government’s mission to reindustrialise every part of the UK, back British innovation and ensure companies are able to succeed and scale here at home.

Industry Minister Blair McDougall says: “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.”

From Gateshead to Crewe, the Government is doubling down on its commitment to delivering growth in every region. With the North East and West Midlands serving as the UK’s powerhouse regions for automotive manufacturing, the funding will provide vital support to flagship companies such as Turntide Technologies and Bentley, helping to ensure the next generation of vehicles are designed, developed and built here in the UK.

The announcement follows £100 million worth of DRIVE35 grant funding already being delivered to supply chain businesses in both of these regions, preparing them for the electric vehicle transition.