Last Friday the Prime Minister Caroline Spelman MP for Meriden and Lorely Burt MP visited the JLR plant in Solihull.
The Prime Minister and the two local MPs saw for themselves the excellent work that JLR are doing. The new model in the Range Rover range has been made more environmentally friendly by replacing its steel content with aluminium. As a result, the car now weighs half a tonne less than the original vehicle.
During discussions the PM highlighted the work that the Coalition government had done to help the manufacturing sector. For example, grants from the Regional Growth Fund and road improvements have helped the despatch and export of cars.
Commenting, Mrs Spelman said:
“The importance of JLR to our local economy cannot be underestimated. JLR’s plan to build and export more vehicles is great news for the Solihull area and all the companies that supply the plant and gives our youngsters a bright future in manufacturing”.
Commenting, Ms Burt said:
“The fantastic new model was indeed a revelation! David Cameron was truly impressed: not only with the car but with the tremendous growth and innovation Land Rover are demonstrating. We have a world class flagship company in Solihull that we can be proud of!”
The PM, Lorely and Caroline took a tour of the plant with JLR boss Dr Ralf Speth and met with production line workers and support staff. Exciting development plans for JLR include increasing the size of the new engine factory in Wolverhampton and adding a new visitor attraction to the Gaydon vehicle testing site.