Press Release: Coventry and neighbours to drive low carbon revolution

Coventry – and its neighbours – can use its tradition as the UK motor city to lead the low carbon revolution not just locally, but internationally.That was the message from technology experts at the Opportunities in a Low Carbon Economy Event hosted at the International Digital Lab, at Warwick University by the Winning Technology Team.The Winning Technology Team is made up of Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire councils and aims to promote the opportunities the sub-region presents for potential investors.Martin Reeves, chief executive of Coventry City Council, said he believed the area’s proud automotive history and long-standing association with the transport industry gave the region a head start on competitors.“As the value of sustainable technology is being realised and regions try to attract external investment we see other areas trying to force some sort of integrity and back story.“But there is nothing forced about this sub region saying we have a long established track record within the motoring and transport industry and we can use this cultural history to inspire the technology of the future.“We have fantastic knowledge in the sub region and I think this is what gives us a competitive advantage and will ultimately bring skills, training and jobs to the region.“Around 80 per cent of external investment goes to around 20 per cent of locations so we must make sure we are one of those places.“This is not a fad or a passing fashion – it is incredibly exciting - and as public sector leaders we will be held accountable to ensure we support the development of this technology in the region.”
There were also talks from Gavin Bottrell, project manager for the Warwick Manufacturing Group’s Low Carbon Vehicle Technology Project and Chris Vowels, UK account manager at Axeon.One of the firms leading the way in terms of low carbon technology is Jaguar Land Rover, which has sites in Whitley, Coventry and Gaydon.Mike Richardson, senior technical engineering manager at Jaguar Land Rover, was another of the speakers at the event.He underlined the importance of sustainable and low carbon technology, not just for the automotive industry, but for industry as a whole.“Research into hybrids and the wider aspects of vehicle electrification and the subsequent development of appropriate technologies are integral to Jaguar Land Rover's advanced engineering activities,” he said.“We have already committed more than £800m to environmental innovation, which includes having a focus on low-carbon and sustainable technologies.“This is important not only from the perspective of reducing tailpipe emissions, but also for the overall operational activities of the Jaguar Land Rover business.”ENDS

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