Automotive

A car with the outer frame futuristically see through and neon blue. The inner parts of the car are visible through it. CGI.

The West Midlands is a global centre of automotive R&D and is quickly becoming a specialist in emerging future mobility technologies

This, combined with our vehicle supply chain and a uniquely strong history of automotive manufacturing, makes the West Midlands one of the most lucrative locations for companies looking to the future.

Home to many research centres looking for industrial partners, the region is a hotspot for innovation, development, and manufacturing. Local companies operating in the West Midlands are well-placed to facilitate the next generation of automotive solutions. You can design, develop, scale and build, all right here, in the West Midlands.

Automotive sector in the West Midlands

Largest in the UK for manufacturing output
1 in 3 British-made cars developed in the region
30% of automotive employment in all of Great Britain
1/4 of all UK engines created in the West Midlands
Auto Pod autonomous vehicle designed by Aurrigo at Aston University.
People talking with conference lanyards on. Part of an engine is visible but blurred in front of them.

Local manufacturing

Our region is home to some of the biggest global players in the automotive industry. Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin call the West Midlands home and Changan Automotive have a huge operation here. Our manufacturing capabilities attract companies looking for the ease (and reduced shipping costs) that come with working with local manufacturers.

Over 14.5% of the country’s parts and accessories manufacturers are situated in the West Midlands, giving easy access to top-quality manufacturers that will help you build a higher-quality product. Combine this with our cutting-edge R&D facilities, and you can see how local companies are achieving the incredible.

Mechanic measuring the tyres of car, which is up on a ramp.

Open-access battery research

We are home to open-access research and manufacturing facilities, including the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC). Instead of waiting for advanced battery technology to reach the market, develop it yourself. Work with the UKBIC team to commission your own tests, fabricate new technologies, and scale them for the market.

Alongside Coventry’s new Gigafactory, located next to JLR’s global headquarters, the University of Birmingham’s Energy Institute, Warwick Manufacturing Group, the Advanced Propulsion Centre, and Midlands Future Mobility, all offer fantastic opportunities for research partnerships.

Person in a lab coat machining a plastic rectangle on the desk.

Driving the future

The West Midlands prides itself on both its automotive heritage and the impact the region is having on the future of mobility. Our drive for a clean, green future has created unrivalled opportunities in Electric Vehicles, Connected Autonomous Vehicles and Connected Automated Mobility, allowing new investments and new entrants to the local economy.

Right now, the opportunities are limitless. You can find out exactly what the West Midlands can offer you by speaking to our expert sector contact.

A car with the outer frame futuristically see through and neon blue. The inner parts of the car are visible through it. CGI.

Free support services

We bring together a project team from relevant organisations across the region. This team includes property agents, recruitment consultants, public sector departments and universities. It delivers a comprehensive support package to quickly and easily help you establish and scale your business in the UK.

Take a look at…

Low Carbon

Key Sectors

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People wearing lab coats and safety goggles connecting machinery on a desk.

IPG Automotive

Case Study

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Cars using sensors to detect their location from road obstacles and read traffic lights.