Warwickshire showcases motorsport to American Mayor

The Mayor of Indianapolis recently visited Warwickshire to see first-hand the manufacturing and engineering excellence here in the county. 

Gregory Ballard, Republican Mayor of Indianapolis, USA, came to the UK as a guest of the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA). The MIA asked Warwickshire Investment Partnership, part of Warwickshire County Council, to arrange tours of select organisations in the county. 

Aston Martin and the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) hosted tours of their facilities for the Mayor and his delegation which included the First Lady of Indianapolis, the International Affairs Director for the Mayor’s office and the Director for Indianapolis Economic Development.

Staff at Aston Martin, based in Gaydon, South Warwickshire, gave a presentation on the company’s history, design standards, global presence and motorsport history, before taking the delegation on a tour of the design studio and the factory. The Mayor was shown around Aston Martin’s current vehicle range, including the exclusive One-77 supercar.

WMG, based at the University of Warwick, provided a tour of the organisation’s facilities including the Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre (IMRC) and the International Digital Lab. The delegation were also treated to a presentation about the group’s ‘World First’ project – a race car made from sustainable and renewable materials which runs on bio-fuel.

The Mayor’s objectives for the trip to the UK was to create permanent economic, social, and cultural linkages between Indianapolis and the UK, creating partnerships with UK-based companies in order to build on the UK’s and Indianapolis’ respective reputations as leaders in the motorsport industry through new opportunities around the world.

Cllr Peter Fowler, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “The Mayor of Indianapolis visiting Warwickshire was a unique opportunity to promote the innovative excellence we have in the county to an international audience. The tours of Aston Martin and the Warwick Manufacturing Group showcased their expertise and will further enhance their global reputations as leaders in manufacturing, research and engineering.”

For more information contact Gus Bhandal on 01926 412823 or email gusbhandal@warwickshire.gov.uk.