Vince Cable, the business secretary, is today visiting automotive businesses in the West Midlands, including Aston Martin at Gaydon and Jaguar at Warwick University.

At Gaydon, Cable will drive as Aston Martin plus Jaguar's developmental petrol-electric hybrid, known as the Limo Green.

At the test track Cable will talk to apprentices and engineers from both companies about the progress being made by the UK to enhance its low carbon vehicle capabilities.

The business secretary said:"As I said on Desert Island Discs, driving an Aston Martin has always been a dream of mine.

"Fortunately for me Aston Martin took note and gave me the opportunity not only to test drive some of their cars but also to witness the high level of skills and engineering that go into making premium and niche cars in the UK.

"This is something in which the UK excels and our cars are exported all over the world.

“Another great example of UK excellence is Jaguar’s hybrid car, the Limo Green. An executive car that can do more than 50mpg with CO2 emissions from only 50g/km shows Britain’s premium car sector is more than capable of rising to the environmental challenges facing the car industry.”

Later he will visit the International Digital Laboratories at Warwick University in Coventry where Jaguar Land Rover have recently opened an advanced technology and research facility on the campus.

While at the university the Business Secretary will get behind the wheel of a racing car designed and made from sustainable and renewable materials that include chocolate, carrots and potatoes.