Aston Martin dream becomes reality for Business Secretary
Dr Cable will also test drive Jaguar’s green car - the electric and petrol hybrid known as the Limo Green. This innovative prototype project…
Dr Cable will also test drive Jaguar’s green car - the electric and petrol hybrid known as the Limo Green.
This innovative prototype project is a collaboration with Lotus, Caparo and research organisation MIRA and has received funding from the Technology Strategy Board.
The chance to test drive the cars forms part of a wider visit to the West Midlands where he will meet business groups and tour a multi-disciplinary research centre.
At the test track the Business Secretary will talk to apprentices and engineers from both companies about the progress being made by the UK to enhance its low carbon vehicle capabilities.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
“As I said on Desert Island Discs, driving an Aston Martin has always been a dream of mine.
“Fortunately for me Aston Martin took note and gave me the opportunity not only to test drive some of their cars but also to witness the high level of skills and engineering that go into making premium and niche cars in the UK.
“This is something in which the UK excels and our cars are exported all over the world.
“Another great example of UK excellence is** **Jaguar’s hybrid car, the Limo Green. An executive car that can do more than 50mpg with CO2 emissions from only 50g/km shows Britain’s premium car sector is more than capable of rising to the environmental challenges facing the car industry.”
The Business Secretary’s next stop will be the International Digital Laboratories at Warwick University in Coventry where Jaguar Land Rover have recently opened an advanced technology and research facility on the campus.
While at the university the Business Secretary will get behind the wheel of a racing car designed and made from sustainable and renewable materials that include chocolate, carrots and potatoes.
As the final part of his visit Dr Cable will take part in a roundtable at the International Digital Laboratories hosted by Business Voice WM where he will hear their views on growth in the region and proposed plans for local enterprise partnerships.
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The automotive sector is worth over £10 billion to our economy and it employs 180,000 people. Six per cent of the entire UK manufacturing workforce is directly employed in over 3,300 unique automotive businesses. The UK has 11 of the world’s volume vehicle manufacturers supported by 19 of the world’s top 20 suppliers.
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More than 80 per cent of the premium cars built in the UK are sold overseas. The UK exported cars worth over £15 billion in 2009, with premium vehicles making up a significant proportion of this total.
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