A GROUP of European motor industry experts were given a taste of innovative manufacturing and traditional Eng-lish style during a visit to Malvern.

Members of the Trans-national Clustering in the Automotive Sector (TCAS) project, which includes representatives from Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, France and Slovenia, were treated to a guided tour of the Morgan Motor Company in Picker-sleigh Road, Malvern.

The trip - hosted by supply chain initiative Accelerate - served to highlight the growth of the niche vehicle industry in the West Midlands and the strength and calibre of local suppliers operating in the region.

Lucy Prinsep, project manager at Accelerate, said: "TCAS, which is funded by Europe Innova, is an important project for the car industry. Its job is to bring together some of the largest and most innovative automotive groups in Europe.

"The idea is that the partners meet on a regular basis, share best practice and identify the opportunities and challenges that India, China and, increasingly Mexico and Brazil, may present.

"Each member organisation hosts a visit in their country to demonstrate a particular strength. Once these have been completed, the findings are discussed, finalised and then disseminated."

Delegates were given a full tour of Morgan's impressive factory, which produces just 12 to 15 iconic cars each week across four model ranges.

Part of the TCAS brief also involves the creation of new European business opportunities for the participating clusters and the formation of knowledge transfer to help develop less advanced regions.

The project, which is expect-ed to last for about two years, is an example of Accelerate's growing impact overseas.

It also plays an instrumental role in the development of AutoZone which identifies and matches new business opportunities - and the Network for European Auto-motive Competence.

Ms Prinsep said: "The indust-ry is changing and we need to make sure that we can have our say on the global picture so that local suppliers can benefit."