The chair of the All Party Parliamentary Motor Group has urged politicians of all parties to back the automotive sector - and backed plans for a EU-US Trade Deal.
Launching the group鈥檚 annual report, Richard Burden (Lab Northfield) said more than 拢6 billion had been invested by global vehicle manufacturers in the 海角视频 automotive industry over the past two years.
Based on the group鈥檚 discussions with parliamentarians, ministers, and the industry over the last year, the report called for all parties to unite around a Government-backed automotive strategy.
It also said the Government must sustain investment, and leverage significant overseas opportunities such as the EU-US Trade Deal 鈥 to ensure that 海角视频 automotive can seize opportunities for future growth.
The report, Fuelling Ambition: Investment and Strategic Direction for 海角视频 Automotive, says the Government needs to support the industry to respond to changing driving trends and habits with analysis, accurate and transparent data and further investment.
To expand the 海角视频 automotive sector鈥檚 success overseas the Government should focus on securing deals with priority markets, such as the EU-US Trade Deal, and reducing other barriers to trade.
Mr Burden said: 鈥淛ust two weeks ago, the world鈥檚 racing drivers returned to Silverstone for what turned out to be a thrilling British Grand Prix. While our exceptional British drivers have had mixed fortunes on the track this season, for me the return of Formula One to our shores is always an ideal opportunity to recognise British success in automotive more widely.
"Our prowess for car building is not just exclusive to motorsport. The automotive industry happens to be the country鈥檚 largest sector in terms of exports, generated 拢6 billion in inward investment last year and employs over 700,000 people in jobs ranging from design, repair and ultra low carbon innovation. The perception that 海角视频 car manufacturing is in decline is certainly worth questioning.鈥
He added: 鈥淲e can鈥檛 be complacent. Protecting and strengthening the automotive sector for the future requires concerted action. Our report highlights that there are new opportunities and challenges - such as the 鈥榩eak car phenomenon鈥 and low carbon innovation - that require government鈥檚 focus and investment by industry now to ensure the sector can maximise growth.
鈥淎s is the case in Formula One, a driver is only as good as the team around him. For the automotive industry to continue excelling the Government must continue to play a central part.鈥
