Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has urged the automotive industry to continue to innovate low-carbon technology so that the UK can stay at the forefront of developments in this field. This comes as the Government has announced a £500m investment package to stimulate its low carbon revolution, through the implementation of the Advanced Propulsion Centre and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Clegg said: 'The UK's automotive industry has undergone a renaissance in recent years and we have the potential to emerge as a trailblazer in the development, design and manufacture of green cars. 'We're doing well compared to our European competitors, helped by a buoyant UK car market. 'But, if we're to stay ahead we need to secure the UK's position as both a global leader in the production and adoption of low carbon vehicles. 'We need to see more people who live in Britain driving these cars and enjoying the lower running costs they can bring. 'The job now is making sure that we get the most out of every penny, so today I am launching a call for evidence from key players in the industry to find out how we kick start demand and make the UK the number one European destination for investment in ultra-low emissions vehicles.î The Government hopes to take ultra-low carbon vehicles to the masses through a huge investment programme over the next few years; as well as the latest £500m investment, £400m was already put aside for the market from 2010-2015. By putting our economy in a strong position for the next wave of automotive development, it is hoped that the UK can again become a global power in the vehicle sector, rivalling powerhouses like Germany and the U.S. in the long term. The UK automotive sector already represents seven per cent of all manufacturing output at around £11bn. The Government sees fleets as a prime opportunity to encourage wider ultra-low carbon vehicle take-up, with total sales currently fairly low at 6,000 EVs nationwide.
