Longbow, a British car manufacturer, has announced plans to commence production of its hand-built electric sports car, the Speedster, at Mira Tech Park in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, next year. The project is supported by a £3 million investment from the West Midlands government fund, which aims to enhance the region's electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities. West Midlands mayor Richard Parker stated that the initiative will lead to the creation of over 200 skilled jobs and will be followed by the production of the firm's Roadster model.
Daniel Davey, co-CEO of Longbow, emphasized that the region possesses the necessary talent and supply chain to manufacture the vehicles. He remarked, "You cannot build this car anywhere else in the world. And if you did, you would be importing UK components to it." The Speedster has garnered interest from potential buyers globally, with a price point of approximately £85,000.
At the Mira test track, the company showcased how it can transform a concept into a vehicle in under two years, leveraging local expertise. Davey noted that the UK has a strong reputation for producing lightweight sports cars, with design and engineering teams located nearby in Leamington Spa and across the West Midlands.
The £3 million funding from the West Midlands Supplier Readiness and Transformation fund is intended to strengthen the supply chain and support the industry. Longbow plans to manufacture more than 10,000 cars annually, with the funding being matched by the company. Parker highlighted the region's long history in car manufacturing, stating, "We've been building cars here in West Midlands for 130 years, so what better location for a new generation of carmakers like Longbow."
Car industry expert Professor David Bailey commented on Longbow's efforts, likening them to Tesla's initial approach with lightweight electric sports cars. He expressed optimism about the UK's capability to compete in the low-volume, high-margin car sector, while also noting the need for broader support for the automotive industry in the region.