A major new project for the automotive industry is set to give Worcestershire suppliers the opportunity to target over £500m of new business.

Eurozone, which is delivered by Accelerate, will match existing capacity in the region with the requirements of car manufacturers hoping to introduce new models and facelifts between now and 2010. According to industry research this means that contracts could be available on up to 260 models, including the introduction of the Volvo C70 and the new Peugeot 307.

Chris Hayes, project manager and the driving force behind the initiative, said: "The industry is moving closer every day and, with the well-documented pressure from foreign competitors, comes a whole host of opportunities for local manufacturers to explore and exploit.

"Small to medium enterprises, by definition, do not have the resources or personnel to track down all of these new platforms and indeed have the know how to forge relationships, which could turn into lucrative contracts."

Funded by Advantage West Midlands and Made in the West Midlands, Eurozone is open to any automotive suppler in the region with an interest in securing new orders. For details go to www.accelerate.uk.net