The British Midlands
Business sectors within the region
Automotive
- With major manufacturers including Toyota and Jaguar based here, there are huge opportunities for suppliers
- The region is the European centre of excellence for advanced vehicle technologies, meaning companies here can benefit from world-class research on their doorstep
- There is an industry-wide support network in place to encourage new business
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The British Midlands is at the heart of both the UK’s transport network and the UK transport industry. With a wealth of experience and capability in automotive supply chain and technology, plus innovative manufacturing and research organisations, it comes as little surprise that some of the largest and best-known companies in the world have chosen to locate here. Jaguar, Toyota, Land Rover and Aston Martin, all have based their UK headquarters, |
main vehicle assembly plants and research and development facilities in the region.
Easy access to the rest of the UK including Honda’s Swindon plant, BMW’s Mini plant at Cowley and the Nissan assembly plant at Sunderland , opens up even more opportunities for suppliers.
There is a significant research and development presence in the region, including several independent and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) facilities and unique expertise and resources in the region’s world-class universities. Specific research stengths include: engineering; design and styling; materials; telematics/intelligent transport systems; satellite navigation application development; engine design; hybrid vehicles and low carbon technologies & fuel cells.
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Specialist business support is also available, offering assistance with recruitment and training, technology transfer and productivity and supply chain issues. The British Midlands is a world leader in a number of specific growth areas, including the adoption of aluminium bodies, the development of telematics and satellite navigation based applications and the expanding market for low-volume premium vehicles. The region is also home to a thriving niche vehicle sector |
– many manufacturers of specialist commercial vehicles, low-volume sports cars and leisure vehicle manufacturers can be found here.
The region is fast developing opportunities in growth marketssuch as safety, electronics and environmental legislation compliance. With so much expertise, development and support to offer, the British Midlands is the ideal base for any automotive business.