Industry News

BIS: The Government & industry have pledged long-term partnership to support the domestic aerospace sector.   The aerospace industrial strategy sets out how the sector will continue to grow in the face of increasing global competition and to exploit rapid changes in technology.  

£2bn in funding will be provided by government and the aerospace industry over a 7 year period
 and help secure around 115,000 jobs.
Press release & links
 
IPPR: Britain now has the 5th most competitive automotive industry in the world, with the sector providing around one in 40 of all UK jobs, according to a new report published recently by the think tank IPPR.  

But with two-thirds of the world economy now covered by low emissions standards, the report shows that demand for electric vehicles in the UK has fallen behind most other European countries and the US, despite the fact that 30 branded electric vehicles are scheduled to be available to consumers by 2014.
 
Britain could miss out on opportunities for jobs, economic growth and exports to an expanding global market, if it does not support its own domestic market in switching to electric vehicles. Ultra low emission vehicles could bring down motoring costs over time, particularly for organisations buying large fleets of vehicles.  The government has the opportunity to lead in this area.
 
The report shows that a business or public sector owner could save £3,755 over a 4 year period by switching from a petrol fuelled Ford Focus Zetec S to an electric Nissan LEAF.  The employee driving the vehicle could save £5,197 in fuel savings & tax benefits.
Press release & links
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