Oxfordshire’s reputation as a hub for new vehicle technology has been steadily increasing over the last year. Most recently this has been boosted by BMW’s announcement that it will double electric and hybrid sales over the next two years, with the electric Mini being developed at BMW’s Oxford plant. 

This momentum doesn’t stop with just the physical vehicle production. The region already has a strong reputation with science and tech occupiers, providing the all-important incubator space these firms need at parks such as Harwell and Oxford Science Park.

Of the 470,000 sq ft of office take-up last year, 122,600 sq ft was for science and technology occupiers. This has created clusters of like-minded occupiers and start-ups that are all focussed on developing new technologies for the industry – Oxbotica, Five AI, and Zoox, to name a few.

Funding for spin-outs from the universities is crucial to the development of new ideas and technologies. According to Savills research, £2 billion of venture capital has been deployed into Oxford headquartered companies in the last five years.

Oxbotica, a spin out of the Oxford Robotics Institute, is headed up by two Oxford professors and is a fantastic example of how this funding generates successful start-up companies. Recently Oxbotica expanded its presence in the area and has taken 14,099 sq ft at 8050 Oxford Business Park.

The land supply across Oxfordshire is also an attractive prospect for those involved in the development and testing of vehicles. There are several airfields in the area, such as RAF Enstone, which could be viable, with long runways perfect for use as test tracks for new technology and cars. It is this kind of innovative use of space that will prove vital to the continued development of new ideas and working out the kinks of any new products.

Oxfordshire has many qualities that make it an ideal hub for the development of electric and autonomous vehicles. From its rich history as the home to the Morris Minor and the Mini to the innovative university spin-outs, the region is driving the future of cars to new, exciting heights – and it is set only to continue.  

Further information

Read more: Spotlight: Oxford Offices