Jon Excell

Career opportunities in the UK automotive sector

In-Depth

While it may seem like the economy is languishing in the wake of the recession, one area at the heart of British manufacturing is continuing to buck the trend. The UK automotive industry, once a symbol of the country’s decline, is now experiencing something of a renaissance.

Over the past 18 months, almost every company involved in UK automotive has expanded its business. Among the most significant moves has been that of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) which announced the creation of over 5,500 new jobs, supply contracts in excess of £3bn and a £355m investment into a new low emission engines facility in the Midlands.

BMW has also invested in the UK with £500m in new facilities and equipment at its MINI assembly plant, the engine plant in Hams Hall and the pressings plant in Swindon. Similarly, Honda has announced a £267m investment for new models and engines at its Swindon plant and Nissan has confirmed a £420m investment at its Sunderland plant.

The industry’s revival is all the more remarkable given the grave situation facing many of mainland Europe’s car makers. The likes of Peugeot, Fiat and Renault, have in recent months been battered by waves of poor demand, severe overcapacity and a lack of finance. OEMs, it seems, are increasingly concerned about the risks attached to mainland Europe but remain attracted to the long-term stability of the UK.

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