英国汽车协会-英国小批量专业车辆制造商2021年报告（英）-2021.7-13页_6mb

Summary of the UK Low Volume and Specialist Vehicle Manufacturers' Report 2021

Core Content

The UK is home to one of the most diverse automotive industries globally, with a strong presence in the low volume, premium, and specialist vehicle manufacturing sectors. These manufacturers contribute significantly to the UK's economy and society through innovation, technology development, and bespoke solutions tailored to niche markets. Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the sector demonstrated resilience by pivoting to support critical national needs such as ventilator production and PPE manufacturing.

Main Points

• Diversity and Global Reach: The UK hosts a wide range of vehicle types, from luxury and sports cars to special purpose vehicles like taxis, hearses, and motorhomes. This diversity is a unique strength, with no other country possessing such a comprehensive range of automotive products and associated supply chains.

• Pandemic Response: Specialist vehicle manufacturers adapted quickly to the crisis, repurposing their facilities and production lines to support the NHS and other vital sectors. Examples include Aston Martin using leather-cutting machines to produce silicone components for respiratory protection and McLaren contributing to ventilator production.

• Global Trade and Market Access: The UK's low volume and specialist vehicle manufacturers export a significant portion of their production, with over 87% of their output exported in 2020. However, they face non-tariff barriers such as high luxury car taxes in countries like Australia and Canada. Negotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and aligning with international standards is essential to maintain their competitive edge.

• Regulatory and Standards Alignment: The UK's regulatory framework must be carefully designed to accommodate the unique needs of low volume and specialist manufacturers. Regulatory alignment with the EU and other international bodies is crucial for reducing technical barriers to trade and ensuring fair market access. Lead times for regulatory changes must also be considered, as small volume manufacturers often have longer product life cycles.

• Technological Innovation and Collaboration: The sector is a hub for technological innovation, often in partnership with UK universities and research institutions. These collaborations drive advancements in automation, mobility, and sustainable technologies. The introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles is already having a positive environmental impact.

• Skills and Apprenticeships: The UK's specialist vehicle manufacturers employ highly skilled engineers, and there is a significant need for upskilling and reskilling by 2030, with at least 43% of the workforce requiring new skills. The Apprenticeship Levy and training standards are key to supporting this workforce, though current policies may not adequately reflect the sector's needs.

• Investment and Infrastructure: The transition to ultra-low and zero emission vehicles requires substantial investment in gigafactories, electrified and hydrogen supply chains, and infrastructure. Government support through targeted funding and collaboration with industry is essential to ensure the UK remains competitive in the global automotive landscape.

• Future Challenges and Opportunities: The UK must maintain its position as a leader in low volume and specialist vehicle manufacturing by addressing regulatory, trade, and skills challenges. A technology-neutral approach to decarbonisation is recommended to preserve consumer choice and ensure a smooth transition to zero emission vehicles.

Key Information

Low Volume Manufacturers

• Typically produce fewer than 10,000 vehicles annually.
• Include notable brands such as:
  • Aston Martin
  • Bentley
  • Lotus
  • McLaren
  • Rolls Royce
  • SAIC (MG Motors)
  • TVR
• These manufacturers often produce customised and high-value vehicles, such as:
  • Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
  • Special purpose vehicles
  • Luxury and sports cars

Specialist Manufacturers

• Produce a wide range of vehicles, including:
  • Taxis
  • Limousines
  • Hearses
  • Motorhomes
  • SUVs
  • Sports cars
• Many of these manufacturers have a strong export presence, particularly in North America and Asia.
• They often incorporate advanced technologies and face unique challenges in accessing global markets due to non-tariff barriers.

R&D and Innovation

• In 2019, specialist vehicle manufacturers spent £857.86 million on R&D.
• Collaboration with universities and research institutions is vital for technological advancements.
• The sector is a leader in innovation, contributing to the development of hybrid and electric vehicles, lightweighting, and aerodynamic designs.

Skills and Training

• At least 43% of the workforce will need upskilling or reskilling by 2030.
• Apprenticeships are crucial for workforce development, but current policies and funding may not fully support this.
• The sector has been working on initiatives like the Emerging Skills Project to address training needs.

Government Role

• The government must support the sector through:
  • Regulatory alignment with international standards
  • Trade agreements that reduce market access barriers
  • Investment in skills and apprenticeships
  • Funding for R&D and infrastructure development
• A coordinated approach to battery production and electrification is necessary to ensure the UK's competitiveness in the global shift towards zero emission vehicles.

Conclusion

The UK's low volume and specialist vehicle manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the nation's automotive industry, contributing to innovation, economic growth, and societal mobility. As the industry faces significant transformation due to decarbonisation, global trade dynamics, and the need for skilled labor, government support and strategic alignment are essential to secure its future and maintain its global leadership.