Ryan and Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd: Government Funding for Zero-Emission Car Innovation
Securing Grant Funding for a Sustainable Future
Ryan partnered with Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd (TMUK) to deliver a winning grant application through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) DRIVE35 program, securing £15 million in government funding. Combined with matched industry funding, this unlocked a total investment exceeding £30 million.
This funding enables TMUK and other key project partners to deliver a major research and development (R&D) project to accelerate zero-emission technology that, if successful, will strengthen the supply chain and support the creation of automotive engineering jobs in the UK. The R&D project will explore the feasibility of developing a cutting-edge electric vehicle, including an integrated solar roof for enhanced efficiency; advanced connectivity for smart urban integration; and lightweight, sustainable, and innovative materials designed for recyclability.
Business Challenges
TMUK needed to secure R&D funding to:
Advance the feasibility of a UK-developed electric vehicle, leveraging local supply-chain partners
Demonstrate sustainability innovation (solar roof, recyclable materials)
Support UK job creation and manufacturing capacity aligned with government priorities
Successfully secure that funding; TMUK employed Ryan’s help to navigate the highly competitive APC DRIVE35 call to present a compelling business case, technology roadmap, consortium structure, and value proposition
Our Solutions
Ryan delivered a comprehensive, end-to-end support package, including:
Strategic Alignment: Aligned Toyota’s R&D goals with APC DRIVE35 and the UK’s industrial strategy, and demonstrated scalability to zero-emission manufacturing by 2035.
Consortium and Technical Roadmap: Identified partner roles [small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or academia], delivered project milestones, and ensured risk mitigation and resource credibility.
Business Case and Impact: Built a compelling impact model demonstrating job creation, supply chain growth, and export potential within the UK as well as commercial pathways, including recycling loops.
Grant Writing and Submission: Produced a high-quality APC DRIVE35 application, supporting TMUK through reviews, application submission, and partner documentation.