'You cannot build this car anywhere else in the world'
Car maker Longbow, which hopes to build thousands of cars, says the region has the talent and know-how.
A British electric sports car manufacturer, Longbow, has revealed its intention to begin manufacturing its handcrafted Speedster model in Warwickshire. The company's limited-edition Speedster will be produced at Mira Tech Park in Nuneaton, beginning next year. Richard Parker, the mayor of the West Midlands, pledged £3 million from a government fund to support the initiative.
Longbow's co-chief executive, Daniel Davey, declared Nuneaton to be the ideal location for the car's production. He attributed this decision to the region's strong supply chain, talented workforce, and expertise. Davey emphasized that "you cannot build this car anywhere else in the world," adding that the car requires low-volume, high-quality, low-cost, and low-weight components.
The all-British Speedster has attracted a waiting list of buyers from around the world, eager to purchase the £85,000 sports car. The project is backed by £3 million from the government's £50 million West Midlands Supplier Readiness and Transformation fund, which aims to boost the UK's transition to electric vehicle manufacturing.
West Midlands Combined Authority stated that the funds will be matched by Longbow, who plans to manufacture over 10,000 cars annually. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds expressed his support for the project, highlighting the region's rich history in car manufacturing. Car industry expert Professor David Bailey praised Longbow's efforts, comparing their work to Tesla's early ventures in lightweight, fast electric sports cars.
He believes that the region can compete in the production of low-volume, high-margin cars, but stressed the need for further support to continue the auto industry's growth in the region.
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