Welsh Government
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Action plan underway in Wales to boost low carbon vehicle sector
In a keynote speech to the Low Carbon Vehicle (LCV) conference in Cardiff this week (Tuesday March 18), Economy Minister Edwina Hart said she wants to create a Welsh model for the industry, that will benefit both the automotive sector and the environment.
The Minister set up an expert steering group last year to provide advice and recommendations on how to develop the LCV sector in Wales to maximise opportunities for growth and jobs. She told the conference the group, under the chairmanship of Prof. Garel Rhys, is progressing well, had identified a number of thematic activities to boost the sector and would report back by the end of the year.
The Minister said:
“The group is focussed on a partnership approach between the public and private sectors and draws on the knowledge and expertise of representatives from the automotive industry, manufacturers, supply chain businesses, utility companies, local authorities, academia and growth.
“They are looking at three key benefits that the development of LCVs could bring to Wales – supporting the manufacturing industry, helping to increase energy security by diversification and reducing environmental pollution. As the group reports back to me by the end of the year I will examine their recommendations and seek to create a Welsh model for the industry.”
The Minister added that Wales is in a good position to encourage diversification and capitalise on the economic benefits of low carbon vehicles although estimates for the future take up of electric vehicles vary wildly and there was a need to understand this opportunity better.
The conference – one of the suggestions of the steering group - was organised by the Energy Saving Trust and supported by the Welsh Government. It is designed to raise awareness of the economic benefits for companies using low carbon vehicles, provide an opportunity to understand future supply chain opportunities and provide an update on the transition to LCV. The existing automotive base in Wales is significant, with more than 150 companies employing around 15000 people bringing an estimated £3b to the Welsh economy annually.
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