Automotive
The West Midlands is a global centre of automotive R&D and is trailblazing future mobility technologies.
The region is quickly becoming a specialist in emergent technologies that plan to pave the future of transport. Combine this with our vehicle supply chain, and a proven, centuries old history with manufacturing success, it’s easy to recognise how lucrative developing automotive solutions is right here in the West Midlands.
The region is a hotspot for innovation and development: local companies already operating in the area are well-placed to facilitate manufacturing, and research centres in the wider West Midlands area are actively looking for industrial partners. Companies with groundbreaking ideas can develop, scale, and build their products all within the region.
Automotive sector in the West Midlands
Local manufacturing
The West Midlands is home to some of the biggest players in the global automotive industry. Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin are based right here, whilst companies including Changan Automotive have huge operations in the region. The manufacturing capabilities on offer attract looking for more cost effective, agile solutions that come with a large local manufacturing base.
Around 40% of England’s total car and part exports hare manufactured in the West Midlands region. Access to these top-quality manufacturers can help any company build a higher quality product that can not only be sustainable, but reliable, and the region’s cutting-edge R&D facilities can help achieve the incredible.
Open-access battery research
The region are home to open-access research and manufacturing facilities, including the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC). Instead of waiting for advanced battery technology to reach the market, companies can develop solutions themselves. Work with the UKBIC team to commission your own tests, fabricate new technologies, and scale them for the market.
The West Midlands’ very own Coventry and Warwick Investment Zone, located next to JLR’s global headquarters, the University of Birmingham’s Energy Institute, Warwick Manufacturing Group, the Advanced Propulsion Centre, and Midlands Future Mobility, all also offer fantastic opportunities for research partnerships.
Driving the future
The West Midlands prides itself on both its automotive heritage and the impact the region is having on the future of mobility. Our drive for a clean, green future has created unrivalled opportunities in Electric Vehicles, Connected Autonomous Vehicles and Connected Automated Mobility, allowing new investments and new entrants to the local economy.
Right now, the opportunities are limitless. You can find out exactly what the West Midlands can offer you by speaking to our expert sector contact.
Free support services
We bring together a project team from relevant organisations across the region. This team includes property agents, recruitment consultants, public sector departments and universities. It delivers a comprehensive support package to quickly and easily help you establish and scale your business in the UK.
