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The Automotive Industry

Automotive

Sector Overview Wales

The Wales' automotive industry has a well established and diverse supply chain cluster that offers the automotive industry the complete range of technological support, covering the total product life-cycle from concept, design and test, through to manufacture.

In addition, Wales is the second most successful UK region in securing automotive foreign direct investment (after the West Midlands).

Automotive investment is crucial to Wales, the sector employs around 25,000 people and plays an essential role in the national economy, generating over £3 billion annually.

Strengths

The industry is characterised by strategic interactions with companies across the globe and its prospects are not dependent on the Welsh economy.

Key strengths and opportunities lie in:

  • Advanced Powertrain and Alternative Fuel Technology
  • Niche Vehicles, Design and Development
  • Performance Engineering & Materials
  • Power Electronics & Telematics

Collaboration

Wales is benefiting from its excellent engineering education and investing heavily in future technology with finance, human resources and cutting edge research:

Technium
A technology-led incubation network that provides the relevant knowledge, support and physical facilities to help young technology businesses in Wales to realise their potential for long-term growth.
CETICS
The Centres of Excellence have a track record of working with industry, on projects ranging from short-term problem solving to long term strategic relationships.
Source: www.ibwales.com

Wales produces around 30,000 graduates a year, 2,000 in engineering.