UK car plants increasingly seek locally-built components
Posted by Tom Benjamin
UK automotive plants are increasingly seeking locally-built components, such as plastic mouldings for car lights, recent research has revealed.
The Independent research, which was commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), found that some plants were seeking UK components to take advantage of the favourable exchange rate.
Others were attracted by the positive industrial relations that exist in the UK, according to the SMMT.
"There is genuine interest and commitment from global vehicle manufacturers in building a stronger UK-based supply chain," said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
"The challenge is to convert this interest into firm orders," he added.
Basic automotive components that are being sought include alloy wheels, castings, wiring harnesses and plastic mouldings, such as those used in car light casings.
Mr Everitt recently announced that scrappage accounted for 17.8 per cent of January new car registrations and that funding for over 60,000 vehicles is still available.
