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SMMT Industry Forum Drives Support for Continual Cost Downs
01 Feb 2003
Despite popular perception, UK car production volumes are at record levels. The sector employs 850,000 people and has a turnover of around £40Bn. However, car producers are increasingly importing components from overseas, driven by a need for continual cost reduction. This indicates that UK component supply demands a cultural shift.
Either, we need to focus on low volume, high value niche markets (such as motor-sport where the UK is a recognised world leader) or to create an environment of continual cost reduction says Mark Eaton, head of the MAS (South East).
Although the two most productive car plants in Europe are located in the UK (Nissan in Sunderland and Toyota in Derbyshire), along with the most productive truck plant (Leyland), Soon, less than 50% of components will be UK sourced.
The DTI supports performance improvement through the SMMT Industry Forum which aims to develop skills in the automotive sector to enable them to reduce costs, shorten lead times and introduce better flexibility.
To find out more about programmes designed to support the automotive sector, contact the MAS in the South East on 0845-609-2121 where the team can put you in touch with programmes wherever you are located.
To find out more about the national MAS initiative visit www.dti.gov.uk/manufacturing.
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