The motor industry has been given an important green light to set up the Automotive Skills Council – the industry's own body set up to develop sector-specific solutions to the industry's skills, recruitment and training problems.

The go-ahead, delivered by the Government-appointed regulatory body the Sector Skills Development Agency yesterday, has been warmly welcomed by the industry.

Sir Peter Vardy, chairman of Reg Vardy PLC and chairman designate of the Automotive Skills Council says: “This is a crucial decision for the future of our industry and I would like to congratulate everyone who has worked so hard to bring our bid this far.

“The automotive retail industry plays a significant economic and strategic role in the business and social fabric of this country. The development of a Sector Skills Council will enable us to tackle the recruitment and training needs of the industry, offer exciting career opportunities within the sector and deliver high standards to our customers.”

Christopher Duff, chief executive of the Sector Skills Development Agency says: “The SSDA board members were very impressed by the evidence presented by the Automotive Skills Council as to why it should proceed to the development phase. They gave the ASC bid their unanimous approval.

“My congratulations to the employers throughout the motor retail industry who supported this bid so strongly. The SSDA looks forward to working with the ASC team over the coming weeks to help them move through the next stage of development.”