British brands on road to success in China

Also important is that the UK government is very supportive of car manufacturers. Since 2009, as a result of the global downturn, the UK government has accepted that the country cannot just rely on financial services to drive the economy.

It must also support manufacturing, including life sciences and motor vehicles. And it has sought to promote investment in the vehicle sector and encouraged young people to go into engineering.

Foreign investors have put money into the UK vehicle industry, rescuing some companies in the process.

For example, Shanghai Automotive Investment Co took over British brand MG Rover after it went bankrupt in 2005. Its newest sport-utility vehicle is expected to go on sale in China soon.

In 2008, India-based Tata Motors paid Ford 1.3 billion pounds for Jaguar Land Rover.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd bought the iconic London Taxi Co in 2013 after it collapsed into administration. Geely has announced that it will invest 250 million pounds to build a new facility for the taxi in Coventry.

A potent combination of expanding markets, strong brand reputations, government support and infusions of investment are enabling the UK vehicle sector to reboot and make a significant contribution to the economy.