15.7.2011 UK leading for low carbon vehicles

Cenex, the UK's Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies, believe that the UK has potential to maintain global leadership in development, manufacture and use of low carbon vehicles.

However, Cenex also say that this will only become a reality if there is consistent collaboration and investment from industry, Government and early adopters.

This announcement has been made ahead of Cenex's annual low carbon vehicle event, LCV2011, which is to take place at Rockingham Race Circuit on 7th and 8th September 2011. The main focus for the event will be addressing how the UK can maintain its current leading position in the development and adoption of low carbon vehicle technology.

The event will be opened by Mark Prisk, Minister for Business and Enterprise – and this year's theme is 'Moving towards sustainable growth'. LCV2011 is the UK's leading conference, exhibition and ride-and-drive event for the motor industry and fleet operators investing in low carbon vehicles and technologies.

The UK is already a leading innovator in the development of low carbon vehicles, bringing to market world-class vehicles, innovative technologies, advanced powertrain developments, lightweight materials and leading infrastructure solutions. With an increasing number of low carbon vehicles being launched in the UK over the next 12 months, the opportunity for the country to lead the way in sustainable mobility is greater than ever.

Brendan Connor, Cenex Chairman says, "This year's theme of 'moving towards sustainable growth' emphasises the continuing need for collaboration between government, the motor industry and infrastructure suppliers to realise the economic and employment growth opportunities offered by the shift to low carbon vehicles. The UK's leadership and innovation in the development, deployment and adoption of low carbon vehicles and the supporting infrastructure is attracting interest from across the world and is generating increasing export opportunities for UK technology providers."

Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, says, "We're delighted to be working again with the Automotive Council, the Technology Strategy Board, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to ensure LCV2011 maintains its position as the premier event for the low carbon vehicle sector."

LCV2011 will be Cenex's fourth annual event and will be the biggest and most influential low carbon vehicle event in the UK to date. In recognition of its increasing importance and scale, the event has moved to Rockingham Race Circuit near Corby in Northamptonshire – a location that offers more space and greater flexibility.

Alongside the LCV2011 conference programme, which will boast heavyweights from across the motor industry, there will be indoor and exterior exhibitions and a ride-and-drive programme allowing delegates to sample new and prototype low carbon vehicles. Over the two-day event it is anticipated that over 175 exhibitors will be joined by around 2,000 delegates from vehicle manufacturers, the motor industry supply chain, infrastructure providers and fleet operators from both the public and private sectors.

The first day of the LCV2011 conference will focus broadly on sustainable growth within the automotive supply chain, while the second day will address the sustainable market uptake of low carbon vehicles and the associated supporting infrastructure.

The conference schedule will include break-out sessions to discuss the challenges for the UK motor industry of moving towards sustainable growth. For exhibitor and delegate enquiries, please visit the LCV2011 website.

Newspress