Automotive Sector
The automotive sector includes manufacturing, R & D, and specialist services such as design engineering, but not retail activity. It covers construction equipment and advanced / performance engineering aspects of motor sport, as well as the core vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers.
Over 220 automotive related companies can be found in the region, employing in excess of 26,000 people with many more in dedicated support services such as research, development, logistics and training. The sector contributes around £1 billion to the regions economy in GVA (Gross Value Added).
The region has been home to Nissan's UK manufacturing base since 1984, with the Sunderland plant producing almost one in every four cars made in the UK. Nissan is the largest volume passenger car manufacturer in the UK and has been one of Europe's most efficient car plants for the last eight years. An extensive supply chain exists within the region with significant suppliers including;
- Hashimoto
- Magna Kansei
- Calsonic Kansei
- TRW
- Johnson Controls
- Unipres
- Tacle Seating
- R-Tek
- SAI Automotive
- TKA Tallent Chassis
Other large Original Equipment Manufacturers have their manufacturing & R & D bases in the region too, which in turn are supported by extensive supply chains. Internationally recognised companies include;
- British Engines
- Caterpillar
- Cummins
- Explorer Group
- Komatsu
- Tanfield Group (Smiths Electric Vehicles)
Komatsu Plant - Birtley
One North East's over arching aims for the automotive sector are to:
- Generate profitable growth through supply chain collaboration
- Provide focused business support
- Promote the regional automotive capability
- Provide a management service reflecting the strategic importance of the sector in the North East
Further information on the Support Measures for the Automotive industry is also available on the BERR website:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/sectors/automotive/supportmeasures/page49874.html
You can also register there for information updates.
