Statement on Ventilator Challenge UK Consortium

Monday 30 March, 2020 

Mike Hawes. SMMT Chief Executive, said,

The essential and extraordinary work of this consortium will offer a beacon of hope to our NHS and all of society, and is a shining example of how the wider automotive and other manufacturing sectors can help in this time of crisis.

The entire sector stands ready to help the national effort in every way possible, from production of critical medical equipment, to supporting delivery of essential supplies, maintaining emergency service vehicles and providing transport for key workers to support the most vulnerable in our communities.

Nigel Stein, Automotive Council Chairman, said,

This announcement is a welcome boost for the country at this critical time and shows what can be achieved when government and industry work together. Such collaboration has helped make this vital sector globally competitive, with a highly skilled, dedicated and productive workforce that will be essential to getting the economy back on its feet once this crisis is over.