ATA Recruitment

​UK Automotive Manufacturing Enters a New Era with DRIVE35

​

The UK automotive industry is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades. With global shifts toward electrification, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing, the sector is being reshaped at speed. At the centre of this change is DRIVE35, a government-backed investment programme that is set to play a key role in the UK’s industrial future.

Announced in 2025, DRIVE35 is a long-term commitment to revitalising automotive manufacturing and building the infrastructure needed to support a cleaner, more competitive economy. With £2.5 billion in funding through to 2035, it represents one of the largest single investments in the UK’s automotive sector in recent history.

​

What Is DRIVE35?

DRIVE35 is part of the UK’s broader Industrial Strategy, a plan focused on accelerating innovation, driving regional growth, and building resilience into key manufacturing sectors. The programme includes £2 billion for capital investment including new factories, facilities, and supply chain improvements and an additional £500 million for research and development.

The primary focus areas of DRIVE35 include:

• Expanding electric vehicle production

• Supporting the growth of battery gigafactories

• Developing domestic EV supply chains

• Investing in low carbon and high efficiency manufacturing technologies

It is a direct response to the urgent need to modernise production capabilities, reduce carbon emissions, and compete globally as other markets ramp up their own EV initiatives.

​

Why It Matters for UK Manufacturing

This shift is not just about cleaner cars. It is about the future of UK industry.

Manufacturers are now expected to deliver new technologies faster, operate with greater efficiency, and meet growing sustainability and compliance standards. At the same time, they must navigate complex challenges such as international competition, supply chain pressures, and changing trade regulations.

DRIVE35 is designed to provide long term support so that UK based manufacturers can lead rather than follow. It sends a strong message to both industry and investors that the UK is committed to high value sustainable manufacturing.

​

A Shift in How Vehicles Are Built

The nature of automotive manufacturing is changing rapidly. From battery pack assembly and power electronics to smart factories and digital quality systems, production processes are becoming more complex and more specialised.

Many organisations will need to reconfigure their operations, adopt new technologies, and build partnerships across emerging parts of the supply chain. This is a significant opportunity but also a challenge for many established manufacturers who need to balance transformation with day to day delivery.

​

The Human Element Behind the Transition

For all the investment in technology and infrastructure, the success of DRIVE35 will ultimately depend on people.

Meeting production goals, launching new products, and staying competitive requires teams with the right skills. Engineers, project managers, automation specialists, and quality professionals are essential to bringing new manufacturing systems online and ensuring they run efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

As demand for these skill sets increases, so does the pressure on businesses to attract and retain them.

​

Supporting the Industry Through Change

At ATA Recruitment, we have worked alongside the UK manufacturing sector for more than 60 years. Having supported TMUK (the world’s biggest OEM) for a number of years, as well as a number of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers we understand the technical complexity of automotive production and how quickly demands can evolve as technology progresses.

Our role is to help companies find the skilled professionals they need to deliver on their ambitions. Whether that means supporting an electric vehicle scale up, recruiting for new battery production lines, or securing leadership for high value projects, we are ready to help.

As DRIVE35 continues to reshape the UK automotive landscape, we are here to support the people and businesses building its future.

If you are a business planning your next phase of growth or if you are an Engineer wanting to explore the opportunities available in the UK automotive industry please reach out, we’d be happy to help.

​