Written question WQ85649

I have regular interactions with the Wales automotive sector. For example, last month I met with the Welsh Automotive Forum (WAF) and this week I visited Toyota on Deeside to celebrate National Manufacturing Day as well as to mark their investment in new furnaces, supported by Welsh Government. I also recently attended Meritor’s opening of its Centre of Excellence for e- mobility. This investment will deliver major strides towards transforming heavy commercial trucks to zero emission vehicles.

I have provided additional support to WAF this year, to assist the industry in transitioning to zero carbon vehicles and to help secure the future of the sector in Wales. This work will include research into the capability of companies in Wales to be part of the UK’s electrified automotive supply chain, developing the support needed for the supply chain to adapt and to realise opportunities to showcase Wales in this area.

Examples of this are the UK’s low carbon vehicle show Cenex 2022, Millbrook in September, where I will make a keynote speech and later that month, the annual Autolink event in Cardiff will provide opportunities for sector specialists to discuss potential collaborations and highlight the latest sector megatrends and intelligence.