Designs for a concept car dubbed the Birmingham Bolt – because the technical expertise and componentry it uses have been sourced almost entirely from Birmingham, The Black Country and Solihull, are being shared with investors at the 11th Auto Expo, taking place in Delhi this week (5- 11 January).

The concept car is a virtual tour de force conceived by inward investment body Business Birmingham as a technical showcase for the Greater Birmingham area and highlights both the strength of the area’s existing supply chain and the significant potential for investors seeking to join it

Birmingham Bolt was nicknamed due to the technical expertise and componentry having been sourced almost entirely from the city.

Companies including GKN, Goodyear, Pilkington and Caparo could provide parts for the vehicle.

Business Birmingham’s transport technologies and manufacturing investment manager Martyn Mangan said: “The Bolt is a high performance, premium concept vehicle design that incorporates advanced engineering capability and precision parts sourced almost exclusively in the Birmingham area.

“Our established automotive supply chain means that the majority of The Bolt’s body, chassis, interior and underlying componentry could be supplied locally see this design or one very much like it accelerate from the drawing board and onto roads in under 18 months using our existing research, development and manufacturing base.”

Business Birmingham estimated that Indian car companies could benefit from a share of £2bn over the next five years by setting up operations in Britain’s second city.

“Investment from companies including Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota and BMW in the UK will create a £2bn opportunity over the next five years for companies who can set up near shore operations alongside existing supply chains here in the West Midlands,” added Mangan. “The types of organisation sought include casting companies, engine component suppliers and automotive electronics firms among others.”