A lot has changed

Some good news at last! After an incredibly challenging 16 months, restrictions in England are set to lift in the next couple of weeks. There’ll be bumps in the road still, but the positivity should help the automotive industry power forward.

We’re returning to a changed landscape, but it’s one we can be excited about. Here are five big recent changes in our sector that we can all embrace:

• Nissan’s recent announcement of a £1bn flagship electric vehicle hub creating a marker for the world as an EV manufacturing ecosystem. It brings together a new Nissan electric crossover, a 9GWh-capacity gigafactory, a renewable energy 'microgrid' to deliver 100% clean electricity and 2nd life EV batteries used as energy storage. Vauxhall is also investing in its Ellesmere Port plant where it’ll mainly build electric vans. 
• There are now more than 1.2 million EVs on UK roads. A third of all EVs were registered in the past 12 months and EVs make up 20% of all new car registrations out selling diesel at a rate of 2.5:1.
• The next generation of talent is embracing new technologies and the associated skills. The team at Ardingly Ifield Solar Project, like so many, faced challenges throughout 2020 but was determined to get their solar-powered electric vehicle out on tour this year.
• The way we use transport is shifting too. E-scooter trials are taking place across the country as new approaches to getting from A to B enter the fray.
• Change isn’t all about electricity. The industry is shifting to E10 grade fuel – something your customers may start asking more questions about. Keep an eye on the IMI’s MotorPro content here, as we’ll be explaining how alternative liquid fuels could be just as much a part of our future as electricity.

It’s a changing world, so it’s crucial to stay ahead and invest in your own future. The IMI is on top of all these changes and we’ve got the resources to support you through it. If you have a question you need answering, please get in touch on +44 (0)1992 519025, or send an email to hello@theimi.org.uk. 
   
With my very best wishes.
 
Steve