The funding covers areas including research and development, process improvement and connected and automated mobility (CAM) technologies, with support available through schemes including the £4 billion DRIVE35 programme and the £150 million CAM Pathfinder.
Paul Butler, chief executive of the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), said: “We are very keen our members understand the real opportunity available to them via these grants.
“There is financial support for every step of the journey, from SME to large-scale capital transformation and we can offer experts who will guide members as to what is available to them.”
The DRIVE35 programme is focused on accelerating the UK’s transition to electric vehicles and clean transport, while also supporting manufacturing investment and long-term job creation.
CAM Pathfinder, delivered by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) and Zenzic in partnership with Innovate UK, targets the development and commercialisation of self-driving and intelligent transport technologies.
A recent NEAA event, held in partnership with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), APC and Zenzic, introduced automotive firms to the funding opportunities, with further events planned later this year.
Mr Butler said: “For the automotive supply chain, initiatives like DRIVE35, CAM Pathfinder and SRT are highly relevant as they support regional supply chain growth and overall competitiveness, enable businesses to access funding for process and product innovation and expansion, strengthen the UK’s position in EV manufacturing and create opportunities for skills development and long-term jobs.”
One regional element of the wider support is the Supplier Readiness Transformation (SRT) scheme, which forms part of DRIVE35 and focuses on helping North East automotive suppliers transition into the electric vehicle supply chain.
The scheme aims to help automotive suppliers adapt, grow and transition into the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.
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