INDUSTRY NEWS
Automakers can drive UK ’ s green growth
Britain ’ s automotive sector is urging the new Labour government to use the industry ’ s decarbonisation success to the UK ’ s economic advantage , as a new report shows direct carbon emissions from vehicle factories halved over the past 25 years . This could help to position the country as a key location to produce the next generation of zero-emission vehicles .
The ‘ 25th Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders ( SMMT ) Sustainability Report ’, published in July , shows the amount of CO₂ directly emitted in vehicle production more than halved ( -54 %) compared to 1999 levels . This is a major milestone achieved through massive industry investment . At the same time , the amount of energy and water used per vehicle was slashed by -18.0 % and -17.7 % respectively last year , with usage now -33 % and -42 % below 1999 levels .
UK manufacturers are also helping to cut on-road emissions with record volumes of electrified vehicles leaving factory lines in 2023 , as output rose by almost half ( 48.0 %).
With the new UK government ’ s commitment to an industrial strategy and its already published Automotive Sector Plan , SMMT ’ s new report signposts the UK ’ s green growth potential — with automotive as its driving force . Collaboration , said the report , will be crucial . Providing more sustainable and affordable energy is pivotal , as are free and fair trade agreements which promote UK-made products globally while ensuring access to critical raw materials .
“ A mass UK market for ZEVs is also needed given manufacturers seek to locate close to where their products are sold . Meanwhile , a diverse and skilled workforce that can design , build , manufacture , maintain and repair ZEVs is fundamental to a successful transition ,” said the SMMT .
“ Britain ’ s automotive sector has been cutting carbon for decades and this new milestone is significant , not just for industry but for the nation ’ s move to net zero . We look forward to working with the new government to deliver its green growth agenda that puts Britain at the front of the queue for global investment and sustainability leadership . Automotive can be the driving force behind this strategy , reducing carbon emissions still further while growing the economy , improving air quality and delivering new jobs and skills for people across the country ,” said Mike Hawes , SMMT Chief Executive .
The SMMT has also highlighted seven measures to make sustainability a competitive advantage in the UK , including the publication of a green automotive transformation strategy .
The automotive industry is vital to the wider UK economy , with auto-related manufacturing worth £ 93 billion and delivering £ 22 billion value added , while typically investing around £ 4 billion per year in research and development . The sector includes more than 25 manufacturers building over 70 vehicle models , plus specialist smallvolume manufacturers , supported by some 2,500 supply chain businesses .
The industry ’ s contribution to employment is significant , with more than 198,000 jobs directly in manufacturing and 813,000 in total across the automotive industry . n
www
. smmt . co . uk
WiM announces 2024 Class of Hall of Fame
The Women in Manufacturing Association ( WiM ) has announced the ten women leaders who comprise the 2024 class of ‘ Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame ’ inductees .
“ These remarkable women have set new standards for future generations of manufacturing careers . We look forward to honouring these leaders and celebrating their commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces in the industry ,” it said .
This fifth group of honourees will be officially welcomed to the ‘ Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame ’ with a reception on 6 October 2024 , as part of the 14th annual WiM SUMMIT taking place in Boston , MA ( USA ). More than 400 attendees will join in the celebration of these trailblazing women in manufacturing .
The ‘ Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame ’ honours women who have made outstanding contributions during the course of their established careers in the industry . Recipients include women who are dedicated to supporting , promoting and inspiring women in the manufacturing industry .
“ We are excited to announce the 2024 inductee class of the ‘ Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame ’,” said WiM President and Founder , Allison Grealis . “ These remarkable women have set new standards for future generations of manufacturing careers .”
The 2024 class of Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees are listed below :
■ Anne Berg , VP Manufacturing Agricultural Solutions Americas – BASF .
■ Mary Betsch , VP Sustainability – Ingersoll Rand .
■ Lisa Caldwell , Americas Business Consulting Managing Partner – EY .
■ Rhonda Gilyard , Vice President of Administration and Production Control – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing .
■ Elizabeth Hoegeman , Executive Director of HSE and Global Manufacturing – Cummins Inc .
■ Laura Maxwell , Senior Vice President , Supply Chain – PepsiCo Foods North America .
■ Misti M . Rice , Executive Director of Government Affairs – Magna .
■ Sandra Rodríguez-Toledo , Vice President Site Operations – Amgen .
■ Jane Rosaasen , General Manager – Daimler Truck .
■ Julie Waymouth , Senior Vice President of Operations – Kymera International .
Inductees were nominated by their colleagues and industry peers and selected by a judging panel of WiM ’ s executive committee and leadership . The inductees were chosen based on their lifetime contributions to the advancement of women in manufacturing .
“ It is with immense pride that we welcome these extraordinary women into the ‘ Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame ’,” said WiM Board Chair , Jana Gessner of PepsiCo . “ Their groundbreaking achievements inspire us and blaze a trail for other women in manufacturing .” n
www . womenin manufacturing . org
18 | ismr . net | ISMR September 2024