Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins has told Westminster that the classic car hobby is vital to the UK’s manufacturing future during a debate on 4 June.
Speaking at an All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group annual meeting Hopkins said: “The classic vehicle industry is worth more than £4billion to the UK economy and helps preserve vital engineering skills.
“It introduces young people to concepts and experiences that they can have nowhere else and, I believe, helps inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians.
“It is extremely important to the UK's manufacturing future.”
Arriving at Parliament in a Vauxhall Astra GTE – which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year – Hopkins paid tribute to Vauxhall’s Heritage Centre, which has 110-years’ worth of Griffin heritage on show.
The MP said: “Nowhere is Luton's proud tradition as a motor vehicle manufacturing town more clearly represented than at the Heritage Centre [which we visited last year].
“I believe its continuing role in educating youngsters and celebrating Vauxhall in Luton is an essential one.”
Vauxhall has announced it will open the building – which is based on Park Street, Luton – to the public on 18 August between 10am-4pm.
C&SC says: We agree with everything Hopkins says. Wouldn’t it be amazing if thousands of Vauxhall enthusiasts made it to the event? Of course, I’d have to buy one first, such as this: http://www.classicandsportscar.com/classifieds/classic-cars/vauxhall/chevette/vauxhall-chevette-hs-2-3-twin-cam/1398125
