UK's Automotive Industry in Coventry University Speech

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【Summary】Former Aston Martin CEO and Nissan COO, Andy Palmer, has warned that the UK must act quickly to secure the future of its automotive industry. Palmer stated that the UK needs six additional Gigafactories to meet the demand for batteries in the automotive sector. He emphasized the importance of manufacturing batteries locally, as they are too heavy and advanced to be imported at the required scale.

FutureCar Staff Sep 22, 2023 4:17 PM PT

UK's Automotive Industry in Coventry University Speech

The former CEO of Aston Martin and COO of Nissan has expressed concerns about the future of the UK's automotive industry, stating that the country has "sat on its hands for too long" and is running out of time.

Speaking after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a delay in the ban on new petrol car sales, Andy Palmer emphasized the need for additional Gigafactories in the UK.

Guests at the event included West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who has been advocating for a Gigafactory in Coventry.

Coventry, once a prominent hub of the UK's motor industry, still houses Jaguar Land Rover's base in the city and nearby in Warwickshire.

Coventry University, known for producing engineering and car design graduates, is also conducting research on hydrogen fuels and future transport solutions.

Dr. Andy Palmer, a keynote speaker at the event, expressed uncertainty about the future of the industry and emphasized the need for action.

Dr. Palmer, who is considered the "Godfather of EVs" in the UK, has been involved in various green technology companies and projects.

While he supports electrification as a path towards achieving Net Zero, he believes that alternative solutions should also be explored.