Ralf Speth wants government support for next generation automotive technologies

JAGUAR Land Rover (JLR) boss Sir Ralf Speth has called on the government to assist the formation of a world-class hub for the next generation of automobile technologies around the motor city of Coventry in the UK.

Speth said on Thursday (26): “We are setting the base for the next generation, for the Midlands to be the best testbed for modern technology.”

The chief executive of the Tata Motors-owned firm was speaking at the opening of a redeveloped £500 million design and engineering centre at Gaydon.

The top executive of JLR said the enlarged site at Gaydon was the nucleus for his company, saying it “orchestrates all global operations and engineering”.

Gaydon is home to almost 13,000 highly-skilled engineers and designers who are developing the current and next generation JLR vehicles.

The facility brings vehicle design, engineering, and purchasing functions under one roof for the first time, increasing collaboration and innovation.

Speth noted that the investment in Gaydon was an opportunity for the government to help recreate the British automotive industry for the next generation.

He cited the Advanced Propulsion Centre at Warwick University and the new Battery Industrialisation Centre near Coventry airport.

“This is about giving this new industry a home,” Speth added.

He was quoted by The Times: “We have created the building blocks for a good economy and ecosystem in the Midlands. We can really create something special. I hope these messages are heard in London. It would be a shame if we didn’t use this technology opportunity for the Midlands.”

Britain’s largest carmaker expects that the Gaydon consolidation will support its return to profitability.

JLR is witnessing losses of £4 million a day and is moving ahead with its restructuring plans. Its sales were seen declining during the past few quarters.

The Indian conglomerate-owned firm is on track to deliver its commitment to offer customers electrified options for all new Jaguar and Land Rover models from next year.

The opening at Gaydon follows confirmation of the company’s plans to transform its Castle Bromwich facility into the UK’s first premium electrified plant, where a range of new electrified vehicles will be manufactured, starting with the next generation Jaguar XJ, the company said.