A Ford employee works on the EcoBoost engine.

It is a question often raised. And one that is often left unanswered. But Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain’s Managing Director, has given his take on the situation to Motortrades Insight.

What needs to be done to safeguard more automotive jobs for Britain? “We need to work out in Britain what Britain can be truly best at in the automotive industry,” he said. “In the case of Ford, for example, what Ford of Britain brings to the global One Ford is a real centre of excellence in powertrain technology – the design, engineering and manufacturing of powertrains.

“It’s a figure not many people are aware of but we make (in the UK) 30 per cent of all Ford engines anywhere in the world. So 30 per cent of all Ford cars anywhere in the world are powered by car engines designed and engineered and manufactured in Britain. 

With engines representing around 35 per cent of the value of cars, engine building in Britain is vital for safeguarding thousands of jobs, including more than 2,000 at Ford’s Bridgend next-generation engine plant in South Wales. 

Mark Ovenden (centre left) visits the Ford engine factory in Bridgend.

“So the only way you can safeguard jobs in this global and competitive industry is to be the best at whatever you do. In Ford’s case, the centre for excellence in Britain’s role in Ford globally is in the designing, engineering and manufacturing of low carbon technology.”

The UK’s automotive components industry is a key contributor to Britain’s economy and vital to the success of worldwide vehicle production. 

“I think Jaguar Land Rover have been very successful with their vehicles,” he added. “What Britain has to work out is ‘What is it going to be truly best at in the global automotive industry?’ And then the jobs will come to us.”