If you’re considering which engineering sectors are best for graduate jobs, you’ll be interested to learn the latest news from the automotive industry. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has predicted that new UK car registrations in 2012 will be 2.1% up on 2011. And considering the picture for five to ten years’ time, the society commented that ‘UK automotive manufacturing could be on course for near-record highs’. Meanwhile, Bentley Motors has just announced that demand for its vehicles returned to pre-recession levels of demand in 2011, with global sales up by 37%.
The SMMT described 2011 as a ‘step change year’ for UK automotive manufacturing. It highlighted ‘unprecedented levels of international investment in the UK’ (over £4 billion was earmarked by manufacturers in 2011 for UK-based projects) and ‘long-term commitments to building new and existing vehicles and engines across the country’. It estimated that total vehicle and engine production in 2011 would be over 5% higher than in 2010. (Figures were announced in late December, and as such were not 100% complete.)
However, these predictions should be viewed in the context of a challenging domestic economy, and the need for export markets to remain healthy. New UK car registrations fell in 2011 (down 4.5% on 2010). The SMMT also commented that consistent growth depended upon ‘economic stability in the Eurozone and global export markets’.
Bentley sales grow 37%, fuelled by overseas demand
Bentley Motors sold 7,003 vehicles in 2011, an increase of 37%. It saw growth in all its major markets, though performance varied widely: sales almost doubled in China and increased by 88% in Germany, while growth in the UK was much more modest at just over 5%. Its December 2011 sales were the second highest ever (up 69% on December 2010). Bentley’s design, R&D, engineering and production facilities are based in Crewe, employing just under 4,000 people. The company states that it is ‘the third largest R&D investor in the UK’s automotive sector and the 18th largest nationally’.
‘2011 – a very significant year for UK motor industry’
The SMMT’s chief executive, Paul Everitt, stated that: ‘2011 has been a very significant year for the UK motor industry. We have seen a remarkable series of investment announcements by global vehicle manufacturers with a total of £4 billion of investment promised for the UK, securing new model programmes, production facilities and jobs. Despite the uncertainty within the Eurozone, these decisions demonstrate real confidence in the future of UK manufacturing and its role within a rebalanced economy.’
Jaguar Land Rover doubles graduate intake
For graduates, the most significant recent announcement has been Jaguar Land Rover’s drive to double its graduate intake. As reported on TARGETjobs Engineering online, the company increased its recruitment target from 135 to 280 graduate jobs.
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Wednesday 4th January 2012
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