Britain’s ability to compete in the automotive technology arena will not be dimmed by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, sector champions have insisted.

 

At a low carbon vehicle event in Milton Keynes yesterday the Transport Systems Catapult’s chief strategy officer Andrew Everett told TP Weekly News: “The UK has massive capability in developing vehicles, technologies and systems thinking and the need for those solutions is still there.

 

“Europe is only one part of the global market for intelligent mobility which we see will be worth £900Bn in 2025. I believe there will be a little bit of confusion (in the meantime) and getting our ducks in a row but generally people need new technologies that enable them to move around more effectively.”

 

He added that Britain needs to look further afield to identify other opportunities for selling vehicle technology solutions to markets such as India, Japan and North America. “As with anything in life there are always opportunities. We must focus on the positives.”

 

Delegates to the event heard from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK’s business development director Garry Wilson. With regards to Brexit he said: “What we are seeing from Government is no let-up in terms of investment in the automotive sector.

 

“Business Secretary Sajid Javid and Business Minister Anna Soubry have both reaffirmed their commitment to the sector and we are the most productive automotive industry in Europe. It is great their commitment to the sector is continuing unabated.”

 

Garry Wilson was asked what is likely to happen if European funding for projects dries up. He referred to the EU’s ‘Horizon 2020’ framework for research and innovation, worth €80Bn over seven years. “In terms of Horizon 2020 there are companies outside of Europe bidding into and receiving funding, but after 2020 we don’t know.

 

“We have been told that if, as a consequence of Brexit, funding stops coming from Europe the Government will maintain the programmes so they shouldn’t be affected,” he added.

 

Andrew Everett was asked if the recent crash of a Tesla car on autopilot mode in America is likely to set back moves to introduce autonomous vehicles in the UK. “It was a tragic accident, but the key thing is that we continue to develop new technology,” he said. “Ultimately autonomous and connected cars will make transport safer and more efficient and we need to maximise learning for everybody in this environment.”

 

Yesterday’s discussion in Milton Keynes was held to promote the Cenex LCV low carbon vehicle event in September, which will showcase new and emerging transportation technology.

 

(Photo: Transport Systems Catapult)