NAA Update: More vehicles on our roads, CO2 emissions down, House of Lords EV recommendations ignored
Britain’s motorists and businesses got behind the wheel in record numbers last year, in part thanks to new zero emission vehicle (ZEV) uptake almost doubling year on year, but the government has not accepted House of Lords recommendations aiming to sustain the increase in EV sales.
Welcome to this month’s newsletter and I hope that you are all keeping well.
In good news, Britain’s motorists and businesses got behind the wheel in record numbers last year while at the same time reducing their carbon emissions, new Motorparc figures from SMMT last month show.
More than 41.4 million cars, vans, trucks and buses were in use in 2023, with the biggest jump in car ownership since 2016 – in part thanks to new zero emission vehicle (ZEV) uptake almost doubling year on year. The carbon saving as a result was equivalent to the average UK car emitting -2.1% less CO2 annually, underlining the importance of getting more ZEVs on our roads.
Manufacturers have committed billions to bring a huge range of competitive ZEV models to market but, to get mass adoption rolling, Britain needs a globally competitive environment for fleet decarbonisation, enabling operators to access the latest, greenest vehicles and use them to their full potential.
However, infrastructure is still one of the biggest barriers to greater EV adoption across all vehicle types, so it was disappointing that government last month, in its response to a House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee report, ruled out putting public charging VAT on par with home charging. The move would have ensured a fairer transition for consumers and sent a message that the time to switch is now.
SMMT’s latest car manufacturing data shows industry is already well committed to a mass transition, with OEMs continuing to adjust their factories to make a new generation of cars, notably electric. But mass adoption of these vehicles now depends on factors beyond the factory gate.
Moving on to the membership side, I would like to welcome three new members this month:
The Low Carbon Energy Co. – Responding to demand for a more sustainable society, The Low Carbon Energy Co. provides world-class low carbon solutions, including Solar PV, Battery storage, EV charging, and asset management solutions.
RARUK Automation – a leading automation distributor offering a range of standard and custom solutions. Today, RARUK Automation represents Universal Robots in the UK, a variety of robotic end-of-arm tooling, autonomous mobile robots and pallet jacks from MiR, as well as other automation solutions, including FlexiBowl® automated part feeders.
Adient – the world’s leading supplier of automotive seating systems and components. The plant in Liverpool was established in 1994 supplying the Ford Focus, today it supplies seating systems to JLR for both Evoque and Discovery models.
In other Member news, if you’re an SME looking for innovation support and based in the Liverpool City Region then Horizons may be able to offer support. Funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Horizons is at the forefront of creating transformative opportunities for people, businesses and communities across the Liverpool City Region. From developing proof of concepts that could accelerate funding applications to removing paper-based systems to support your Carbon Net Zero ambitions, the Horizons team have over 10 years of experience in helping businesses reach their potential and unlocking new opportunities for the future. In addition to the funded support, Horizons offers businesses across the Liverpool City Region the opportunity to apply for grant funding – download the Horizons flyer
The Hartree Centre has just published its new “Hartree Centre Strategy” – this strategy sets out its five-year plan to build on its achievements and continue to deliver significant societal and economic impact for the UK. It outlines their key strategic priorities for the period 2024-2029, which are aligned to both UKRI and STFC’s strategic objectives. Read the full Hartree Centre Strategy.
The NVN Proof of Concept Competition 2024 is open for applications.
This Competition provides a platform for collaborative research and development of zero tailpipe emission vehicle technologies within the UK niche vehicle sector. It is funded by the Department for Business and Trade, via the Advanced Propulsion Centre, supported by Innovate UK, delivered by the Niche Vehicle Network with support from Cenex.
The Competition is open to niche vehicle manufacturers, system suppliers and design/engineering or technology organisations active in the UK specialist and low volume manufacturing sector who wish to collaborate on innovative, industry-led projects.
Applications can only be submitted online through the NVN Funding Gateway.
The deadline for bid submission is 5 June 2024, at 17:00hrs GMT.
Elsewhere in this month’s newsletter, you can read about some of the latest developments from a selection of our other members, including Bentley Motors, DHL, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Melo World and STFC Hartree Centre.
The latest in our regular series of webinars last month was “An Industry Outlook for 2024”, delivered by Grant Thornton.
Owen Edwards, Head of Automotive Retail Business Consulting took participants through a review of the current automotive market and provided forecasts for both new and used vehicle registrations and production figures for 2024.
A deeper dive then followed into the upstream automotive industry (OEMs and their supply chains), with a view on the trends that are expected to take place in 2024.
A similar look at the downstream industry (dealers, leasing asset financing) then followed, together with a summary view on the complexities that are expected to impact both of these areas of the automotive industry.
Dates for your diary – NAA Events / Webinars:
NAA Webinar, hosted by Enginuity – “Skills Support for Electrification”
This webinar will focus on the Automotive Reskilling and Upskilling Platform Pilot and also the Electrification Skills Network (ESN) – for more details visit NAA Webinar – Skills Support for Electrification
23 May / 13:00 – 17:00 – LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER
NAA Networking Event, hosted by OMRON UK, RAF Museum Cosford
Our May networking event will take place on 23rd of May and will be hosted by NAA member, OMRON UK, who will showcase their Flexible Manufacturing Roadshow, which is currently touring various European locations.
This event will be held at the historic RAF Museum Cosford in the Midlands. Set within one of the main hangars amidst iconic RAF fighter planes, it promises a memorable experience.
Attendees will have the additional opportunity to explore the museum’s treasures, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of RAF Cosford.
At the heart of the event are captivating live demonstrations, showcasing cutting-edge technologies typically confined to factory settings due to their scale and complexity. Participants will engage with innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands and challenges of modern manufacturing.
Free for NAA Members; Charges apply to Non-members
NAA Member’s Virtual Roundtable – via Teams
A great way to meet new and existing members from the comfort of your desk; car or office!
NAA Networking Event, hosted by Siemens, Manchester
“Accelerate your Digital Transformation”
Digital technologies provide new and innovative ways for businesses to reach their digitalisation and sustainability goals. But driving this transformation faster, easier and at scale is a challenge for many.
The potential benefits of digital technologies for businesses in terms of both digitalisation and sustainability are vast. However, navigating the complexities of this transformation can indeed be challenging.
Siemens Xcellerator is the open digital business platform that enables customers to accelerate their digital transformation easier, faster and at scale.
The event has an optional tour of the Digital Experience Centre to see fully operational examples of transformative digital technologies.
NAA Webinar, hosted by Gatsby Charitable Foundation – “T Levels”
Gatsby Charitable Foundation is working with the Department for Education to understand how businesses across the Engineering and Manufacturing sectors are engaging with T Levels. Join us If you would like to find out more about T Levels and how they can help address the skills shortage and build your talent pipeline.
NAA Webinar, hosted by Fitfactory – “Digital Transformation for SMEs: A benefit not a burden”
This webinar will provide a guide for manufacturers looking to either begin or advance in their digital transformation journey. A promised jargon-free session highlighting some of the available solutions that can help manufacturing businesses streamline and scale their factory operations.
NAA Annual Awards & Networking Dinner
SAVE THE DATE!!! The NAA Annual Awards & Networking Dinner will take place on Thursday 19September and will be held at Crewe Hall, Cheshire. We have a special rate for rooms so please contact Zoe for information.
Our awards will be opening in the next few days – please look out for a HTML with all the details.
If you would like to register for any of the above NAA events and/or webinars, please contact Zoe.
Other Events:
Future Mobility Asia Exhibition and Summit
Bangkok
SMMT are organising the UK Pavilion at Future Mobility Asia in Bangkok, Thailand this May.
In addition to the subsidised exhibition space that they are offering, there are numerous activities that they are also including for exhibitors aimed at amplifying your company’s reach and impact and elevating your brand message beyond the exhibition stand.
Full details at Trade Show: Future Mobility Asia 2024
SMMT Regional Forum North West
Liverpool
SMMT Regional Forum provides a platform for discussion on the opportunities and challenges for the automotive industry in the region and regularly attracts 200+ senior automotive delegates, from a wide range of companies including vehicle manufacturers, global and local suppliers.
This is a must attend event for those looking to network with key contacts within the UK automotive industry.
The sessions will highlight key industry insights for the region and how companies are responding to the need to develop the UK’s EV capability.
Registration for the event is now open and is FREE to SMMT members. You will need your company’s SMMT membership number to register for the event.
You will be given the option to book a stand when you register online.
SMMT Member Exhibition Space: £700 + VAT per stand (early bird rate £600 +VAT)
SMMT Non-Member Exhibition Space: £1,250 + VAT per stand (early bird rate £999 +VAT)
Full details at SMMT Regional Forum – Focus on the North West 2024
Mexico Scoping Trade Mission
Automotive & Advanced Engineering Business Opportunities
The Department for Business and Trade at the British Embassy in Mexico (DBT) invite UK companies specialised in Automotive, Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, interested in learning more about the Mexican Market, and developing potential exports to Mexico. UK companies can join them for a 4-day Market Visit and Showcase in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.
Expo Maq is a leading, 3-day event for the Metalworking, Machine Tooling and Manufacturing Technology sectors in Latin America. DBT Mexico will host a stand that companies are welcome to use free of charge. In addition, DBT Mexico will provide a 1-day agenda of activities including meetings and presentations by local stakeholders (from both government and private sector) that can provide further insight into doing business in the region.
Siemens Transform 2024 Explores Digital and Sustainability Transformation in Live UK Event
17-18 July marks the return of Siemens Transform to Manchester Central. Join thousands of participants across industry for a unique technology showcase and discover how to transform the everyday, for everyone. Co-create real solutions for your business, explore the latest technology, collaborate with leading industry experts, and feel empowered to make a lasting impact. Join a community solving today’s most pressing challenges and discover tangible solutions to be more competitive, resilient, and sustainable to accelerate your transformation in 2024 and beyond.
Register using the below link
https://www.siemens.com/uk/en/company/transform.html?stc=ukcg200469
CENEX-LCV and CENEX CAM become CENEX EXPO
Book your stand for Cenex Expo 2024
Cenex Expo (previously known as Cenex-LCV and Cenex-CAM) will continue to be held at UTAC Millbrook on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th September 2024. In 2023, there were 4,715 attendees, 227 exhibitors and 165 speakers with this year due to be bigger and better – an event not to be missed!
Sales are now open – view the Cenex Expo sales prospectus. Following the success of last year’s event, demand for exhibition space is already extremely high, so secure your stand now.
Contact exposales@cenex.co.uk for more information.
National Manufacturing Day
Make UK is spearheading the campaign and are inviting every manufacturing company across the UK to take part in this national day of celebration. The idea is simple – manufacturers just have to invite a section of the local community into their business. Showcasing first-hand the breadth of diverse and well-paid career opportunities on offer to schools, colleges, friends and family, and local job seekers – full details can be found later in the e-news.
Global Manufacturing Technology Show
Liverpool
A brand-new exhibition and conference, taking place in the northern heart of UK manufacturing.
The two-day event, at Exhibition Centre Liverpool will connect the manufacturing sector with hundreds of innovative thought-leading companies whose sole purpose is to help them navigate the ever-evolving world of modern manufacturing. Further details can be found at www.gmtechshow.co.uk
Training:
We have a full list of Core Tools and IATF16949:2016 training dates on our website here – if you have any requirement for these courses, please contact Zoe.
Finally, if any of your colleagues aren’t already receiving this e-news, and you think it may be of interest to them, please ask them to sign up with Zoe.
Paul Jones
NAA CEO
