What about the Automotive Industry?

The history of the automotive industry is one of continual innovation and development. It was French engineer and mechanic Nicolas Joseph Cugnot who invented what is regarded by many as the first motor vehicle in 1769. Unfortunately, this steam powered vehicle proved un-manoeuvrable and in 1771 he drove one of his inventions into a stone wall in what was probably the first ever “car” crash. 

The development of the motor vehicle has come a long way since then and it is now the focal point of the world’s largest manufacturing industry.

Continuing a tradition that begun with Samuel Brown, who in 1824 adapted a Newcomen steam engine to burn gas which he used to power a vehicle up Shooter's Hill in London, the UK has remained at the forefront of technical development in the automotive industry.

Today it boasts world class manufacturing in a number of key technologies. Playing host to manufacturing plants for multinational companies including BMW, General Motors and Toyota, the UK is also home to independent design firms but also the world’s most successful motor sports industry.

Overall the sector generates around £46 billion or 5.5% of the country's GDP, employing some 210,000 people involved with the design and manufacture of vehicles and components, and a further 570,000 in the motor trades which supply, service and repair vehicles in the UK.

Typical Activities

The UK automotive industry, by virtue of its skills and experience, is able to offer a uniquely comprehensive service - a "total package" - across the breadth of the automotive sector. Typical activities include: 

• Design, testing and manufacturing of motor vehicles and components 
• Sale of new and used motor cars 
• Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles  
• Sale and installation of motor vehicle accessories

Getting in

You can access automotive industry jobs via an apprenticeship scheme, where you can gain qualifications whilst also earning a wage at the same time. Alternatively, you could enter the profession with a degree. Each year, over 12,300 students gain a degree relevant to automotive industry, many of which will require you to work in the industry for a year. Many areas of engineering can lead to manufacturing and design jobs, including mechanical, materials and electrical engineering. HNDs can also be appropriate for technical roles.

Typical Employers

The UK has attracted seven of the world's top eight automotive companies, is a global leader in a when it comes to component manufacturing, and has more independently owned sports car manufacturers than any other country. We now attract over 40% of all US and Japanese investment in Europe:

• AEA Technology
• DaimlerChrysler
• Ford
• EMTEC
• ReMIT
• Ryland Group
• Honda
• Marshalls
• Torotrak
• GNK

More reading

SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance), Tel: 0800 282167

The Motorsport Academy

AutomotiveSkills

Motorsport Industry Association (MIA)