• 91³ÉÈË analysis shows Wales’ automotive sector directly supports 7,000 jobs and contributes £477 million to the UK economy.
• Figures published as 91³ÉÈË Regional Forum Wales convenes industry and government to discuss how partnership can strengthen resilience, boost competitiveness and unlock investment within the country.
• Speakers from Aston Martin, Tata Steel, Vishay and the Welsh Government join senior automotive and defence leaders from across the region.

91³ÉÈË analysis published today reveals the scale of Wales’ contribution to UK Automotive, with the sector directly supporting 7,000 jobs – representing one in 20 UK automotive workers – sustaining skilled livelihoods and generating £477 million for the economy. The findings come as senior leaders from industry, Welsh Government and the defence sector gather in Newport for 91³ÉÈË Regional Forum, where discussions will focus on the country’s automotive strengths amid the challenges of electrification, regulation, energy costs and trade uncertainty, plus opportunities for auto suppliers following release of the UK Defence Investment Plan.
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Wales’ automotive strength lies in the diversity of companies operating across the nation – from vehicle production and powertrain manufacturing to semiconductors, advanced components and specialist suppliers. Together, they form an important part of the UK’s automotive ecosystem and the technologies that will shape its future.
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This includes Aston Martin’s St Athan factory, home of the cutting-edge DBX,² Toyota UK’s Deeside engine plant, which employs around 600 people and has attracted more than £2.82 billion investment,³ and Vishay Newport, the UK’s biggest semiconductor manufacturing facility, supported by £250 million of public investment and set to sustain more than 500 skilled jobs.⁴ Alongside supply chain businesses such as BJ Seals, Lucas Oil Products and Senior Flexonics, these companies underline Wales’ potential to create a more resilient, competitive and electrified UK automotive sector.

The agenda features two sessions with industry leaders, including David Moore, Head of Manufacturing – St Athan, Aston Martin Lagonda; Scott Milne, Vice President and General Manager, UK Operations, General Dynamics; Ritchie Hart, Head of Process Technology – Strategic Capex, Tata Steel UK; Andrew Cranke, Director of Sales for Northern Europe, Vishay; and Adam Price MS, Cabinet Minister, Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Welsh Government.

Representing more than 800 companies across vehicle production, supply chain, tech and aftermarket, 91³ÉÈË combines influential advocacy with practical business support to help firms become more profitable, competitive and sustainable. Its work includes engagement with governments and regulators, trade and investment missions, international market access advice, buyer-supplier introductions and targeted matching through initiatives such as Meet the Buyer. Technical guidance, data and market intelligence, funding signposting, training, consultancy and certification support through 91³ÉÈË Quality Management and Industry Forum are also core parts of 91³ÉÈË’s offer.

New for 2026 is 91³ÉÈË’s Supply Chain Resilience Programme, which helps UK suppliers navigate an increasingly complex landscape by bringing together industry insight, expert support and targeted engagement opportunities. The programme complements 91³ÉÈË’s wider Ìý work to promote the UK as a leading destination for automotive investment, innovation and international collaboration. Find out more here.

Notes to editors

1. ONS data for SIC29 – and
2. Ìý