Overview
- The government confirmed a £65m allocation under the Drive35 programme, with roughly £50m aimed at carmakers and research partners and the remainder matched by industry.
- Officials say the funding will directly support about 1,800 jobs and back thousands more across supply chains through factory upgrades, battery work and related capital projects.
- Named recipients include a consortium led by Bentley and a Nissan-managed project focused on self‑driving technology that will receive part of the grants.
- Media reports say ministers have discussed weakening the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, and opposition Conservatives have pledged to scrap the 2030 sales ban if they return to power.
- The package forms part of a wider reindustrialisation push and could shape near‑term investment decisions at UK plants and whether manufacturers keep or move production overseas.