Industry expert Hodac impressed of booming UK car sector

One of the most influential figures in the European car industry has said that the UK has a thriving automotive industry.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association’s Secretary General, Ivan Hodac, stated that it is unimportant who the automaker is, but rather where the cars are assembled. He added that it is not necessary whether it is Jaguar, Nissan or Skoda; the most important thing is that foreign car companies put up plants in the UK and create investments. Hodac is convinced that the country remains a key centre for car production in Europe.

Hodac’s comments came as auto firm Nissan prepares to begin production of the new Juke car model in Sunderland and awaits the result on whether it will be selected to develop the Leaf electric car. He however could not comment on Nissan’s plan to build Leaf in the UK.

But Hodac believes that the development of electric cars is vital to the future of car industry in Europe. He further informed that the industry has been searching for the greenest technology for a long time to bring down carbon emissions and make eco-friendly vehicles.

Five to 10 years ago, he remembered that not many people talked about electric vehicles. And then suddenly, the green topic has picked up, with most governments now backing electric vehicles. Hodac forecasts that by 2020, five to 10 per cent of all street cars will be electric-powered.

Last year, the UK was chosen to join in the world’s largest electric car trial testing. Currently, hundreds of charging points are being installed across the country.