Yorkshire projects share in £73.5m Government investment

Britain’s automotive industry will benefit from a £73.5m Government investment to develop green technologies and safeguard jobs.

Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi announced the scheme today – 23 June.

It will see 10 UK projects – including two in Yorkshire – receiving a share of the money to develop cutting-edge technology for the next generation of electric taxis, cars and vans – including recyclable batteries, advanced electrical systems and ultra-lightweight components.

The recipients in Yorkshire are:

• Cummins Turbo Technologies Ltd – TRIDENT (Huddersfield): The project will look to develop and manufacture an all-new electrical turbo that has greater efficiency and is for use in fuel cell electric vehicles
• Magnetic Systems Technology Ltd – Magtec (Sheffield): Magtec aims to become the UK’s only complete electric drivetrain Tier 1 supplier for commercial vehicles

The Government says the funding will contribute to the automotive sector’s recovery from the pandemic by safeguarding more than 14,000 UK research and manufacturing jobs.

It will also enable the manufacture of a greater volume of low emission cars, commercial vehicles and components here in the UK.

Zahawi said: “Whether it’s researching future battery design or creating a lightweight version of the Ford Transit, companies in every part of the United Kingdom are leading the world in advanced automotive technology.

Not only will this funding ensure automotive companies can play their part in keeping us on the path to net zero emissions by 2050, it will also support thousands of jobs and be a welcome step towards the industry’s economic recovery.”

The funding boost will aid the development of highly efficient and ultra-lightweight components and help drive the automotive industry further away from its reliance on fossil fuel technologies.

Successful projects were chosen by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), which seeks to maintain the UK’s position as a centre of excellence for the research and development of low carbon vehicle technology.

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “As we look to kickstart our green transport recovery, new technologies and cleaner fuels are going to play an even greater role in achieving our aim of a greener and more prosperous economy.

“From recyclable batteries to state-of-the-art motors, not only will this funding create thousands of jobs, it will also bring us one step closer to achieving our net zero target within 30 years.”

Jon Beasley, director of technology & projects at the APC, said: “It’s an exciting time for the UK automotive industry – we are on the precipice of an innovation landslide. The technology we invest in now is set to make an impact on the next generation of vehicles.”