Prime Highlights:
- Mercedes’ new UK-Germany electric vehicle project will create over 150 jobs and protect 34 existing roles, strengthening the UK’s position in automotive innovation.
- The investment demonstrates the benefits of international partnerships, driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth in the UK.
Key Facts:
- UK companies YASA Ltd and DePe Gear Company Ltd are partners, with production expected within three years.
- The £20 million project is supported by £10 million from the UK Government, focusing on high-performance electric drive systems inspired by Formula 1 technology.
Background:
Mercedes has announced a major UK-Germany electric vehicle (EV) technology project that will generate over 150 high-value jobs across Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. The £20 million initiative, supported by £10 million from the UK Government, will focus on cutting-edge EV powertrain development based on Mercedes’ Formula 1 car technology.
Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains is leading a project to develop the IGNITED ultra-compact, high-power electric drive system for high-performance electric vehicles. UK companies YASA Ltd and DePe Gear Company Ltd are part of the project, with production expected in three years. It will create over 150 new jobs and protect 34 existing ones, boosting the UK’s automotive innovation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the investment will bring jobs and support innovation. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle added that keeping advanced manufacturing in the UK will strengthen supply chains and develop future skills.
The Government’s backing through the Advanced Propulsion Centre forms part of a wider strategy to boost zero-emission vehicle technology. The project also ties into the DRIVE35 programme, which plans to electrify manufacturing hotspots nationwide and represents the largest UK Government investment in automotive history.
Tim Woolmer, Founder and CTO of YASA, said projects like IGNITED are important for developing advanced electric vehicle technology in the UK. They help protect specialist engineering jobs and speed up innovation.