Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Automotive Exports

Thursday 9 February 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rachel Hopkins inquired about steps to increase automotive exports, particularly supporting Vauxhall's transition to electric vehicle manufacturing.
  • The Minister highlighted ongoing meetings with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and noted significant battery investments, including a 541 million Faraday battery project.
  • Richard Bacon invited the Minister to visit Group Lotus in Hethel to see the new Lotus Evija supercar, which exports more than 70% of its production.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Business & Trade
Context

The question follows concerns about the UK's automotive industry transitioning to electric vehicles and the need for a robust domestic supply chain.

Question

What steps she is taking to help increase automotive exports, focusing on supporting businesses like Vauxhall in Luton as they transition to manufacturing electric vehicles effectively. The rules of origin from 2024 highlight the importance of attracting an electrified supply chain to avoid future tariffs.

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

The hon. Lady will find comfort in knowing that I have many meetings with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and have met the automotive sector multiple times to address this issue. The rules-of-origin issue is why we are investing heavily in batteries, including a £541 million Faraday battery challenge project.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific actions or mechanisms for expanding the domestic electric vehicle supply chain beyond meetings and investments were not detailed.

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Q2 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Business & Trade
Context

The question follows concerns about the UK's automotive industry transitioning to electric vehicles, focusing on the need for a robust domestic supply chain.

Question

If we are to continue driving British automotive exports, it is critical that businesses such as Vauxhall in Luton can effectively transition to manufacturing electric vehicles. The rules of origin from 2024 highlight the necessity of attracting an electrified supply chain to the UK to avoid future tariffs.

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

The hon. Lady will find comfort in knowing that I have many meetings with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and have met the automotive sector multiple times to address this issue. The rules-of-origin issue is why we are investing heavily in batteries, including a £541 million Faraday battery challenge project.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific actions or mechanisms for expanding the domestic electric vehicle supply chain beyond meetings and investments were not detailed.

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Q3 Richard Bacon Con
Business & Trade
Context

The question follows an initial query about automotive exports, focusing on the export success of Group Lotus in Hethel.

Question

Would the Minister like to congratulate Group Lotus in my constituency for exporting more than 70% of its car production? Would she like to take the opportunity to come to Hethel to see the new Lotus Evija supercar, which can do nought to 180 mph in nine seconds?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

I am not sure that I can speak as far as that car goes, but I am more than happy to come to Hethel to visit Group Lotus. The amount of progress made by experts, academics and scientists when it comes not only to zero emission vehicles but also to speed is remarkable.

Not addressed: The specific ask about visiting the facility was avoided in favour of general praise for car production achievements.

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