The Midlands automotive sector has seen a 10% increase in the number of foreign direct investments, according to figures released by the automotive inward-investment body Drive Midlands.

Its report shows that the sector attracted 58 new FDIs during the 2016-17 financial year.

These new projects, which involved investors from the USA, India and China, helped to generate almost 3,000 new jobs across the Midlands, re-affirming that the automotive industry remains attractive for investors, despite the UK’s decision to quit the EU.

Part of that appeal is due to the various clusters in automotive research, along with engineering and manufacturing excellence.

The Midlands currently accounts for 50% of the UK’s automotive activity, including being home to seven high-volume car manufacturers, seven commercial-vehicle producers and 16 of the top 20 automotive suppliers.