Wisconsin companies in auto manufacturing, components, and technologies could contribute to the UK’s innovation targets.
The UK automotive industry wants to become a world leader in digitalization.
The auto industry plays a significant role in the UK economy, representing 10% of total UK exports. The industry recorded £67 billion ($86.5 billion USD) worth of sales in 2022, with more than 182,000 people employed in manufacturing and about 780,000 working in the broader automotive industry, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Typically, about £3 billion ($3.9 billion USD) is invested in research and development each year, and much of that is expected to go toward digitization. That could cover anything from autonomous driving to shared-mobility models, customized insurance contracts, remote diagnostics and repair, and predictive maintenance services, Thomas Møller Thomsen, president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile Region I, wrote in a 2022 Politico article.
“Digitalization will have a profound imprint in the future of the automotive industry,” he wrote.
More than 25 manufacturers build vehicles in the UK, supported by 2,500 component providers. In 2022, more than 775,000 cars, 101,000 commercial vehicles, and 1.5 million engines were manufactured in the UK.
- Technology already is playing a significant role—particularly in terms of safety features in new cars:
- Eight of every 10 new cars in the UK have driver assistance systems available.
- 71% are available with advanced emergency braking systems.
- 55% can be equipped with adaptive cruise control.
- 84% offer a self-activating safety system.
- 54% can be supplied with overtaking sensors.
In addition, nearly 2 million buyers a year can obtain collision avoidance technology. Industry sources estimate 3,900 lives will be saved and 47,000 serious accidents avoided between 2019 and 2030 as a result of the technologies.
Wisconsin vehicle manufacturers and technology suppliers could participate in the UK’s efforts to advance its industry systems.
