A new UK-Germany electric vehicle technology project led by Mercedes will create new jobs across Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.

It comes as the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier begins his three-day State Visit to the UK today, to bolster the UK’s economic ties with Germany.

The project led by Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains – renowned for the power units used in Formula 1 cars – will create over 150 new, high valued jobs whilst securing another 34 existing roles. It will also strengthen the UK’s EV supply chain.

Called the IGNITED project, it will develop an ultra-compact, high-power electric drive system – similar to an engine – for high-performance EVs. UK partners include YASA Ltd and DePe Gear Company Ltd, with production expected within three years.

The Government is backing the initiative with £10 million through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, with the project costing £20 million in total. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "This investment by Mercedes shows the real benefits of that partnership: cutting-edge innovation, more jobs, and a stronger economy for Britain."