But it’s in meeting the global demands of the supply chain where Wales really comes into its own, with a host of international names leading the way. The Robert Bosch plant in Cardiff is the lead manufacturing plant for Bosch alternator production worldwide. Nissin Showa UK assemble shock absorber, power steering systems and manufacture brake-related parts for the European market in Wales, as well as one of the world’s most advanced electronic steering systems – having won a global investment battle against rivals in Japan and Thailand.

Electric and electronic components figure well too. Becker Automotive Systems design and manufacture branded audio and infotainment systems for customers including DaimlerChrysler, BMW and Toyota. Caerbont Automotive Instruments manufactures high quality automotive instruments such as dials, tachometers and sensors for Aston Martin, AC Cobra and London Taxis

In fact, parts made in Wales would easily comprise a complete car – if all the components were for one customer!

But it’s in mapping out the future shape of the industry where some surprising developments are taking place. Internationally-renowned automotive expert Professor Garel Rhys maintains that “Low emissions is one of the motor industry’s prime focuses - through the use of new technologies, new materials or new sources of energy. Wales is already establishing itself as a European leader in the technology.”

Connaught, who recently located to Llanelli, are proving that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand as they develop their new hybrid powertrain technology.

It’s a tie-up that large as well as small businesses are taking advantage of. Swansea University’s electronic systems design group has been working with Toyota to further develop hybrid vehicle technology. Cardiff University’s Centre of Research in Energy, Waste and the Environment is working with Ricardo to research GDI engine fuel injection.

The University of Glamorgan’s Fuel Cell Technology Centre is taking forward the pioneering work of Sir William Grove, powering vehicles of the future with hybrids of fuel cells, batteries, ultra capacitors and advanced internal combustion engines in myriad configurations. The Institute of Advanced Telecommunications at Swansea University is working with Traffic Wales, Motorola, O2, Writemedia and NextGen to create a ground-breaking traffic management system. The National Centre for Product Development (Cardiff) has designed a leading edge steering column for TRW.

has been a focussed process, led from the front by the Welsh Assembly Government and directed by “Team Wales” – sector experts there to determine what will take the sector forward… and help deliver it. Significant resources – including the strategic use of European Funds – have been poured into developing facilities such as the Performance Engineering Technium at Llanelli Gate – where businesses are brought into direct contact with academic researchers and University spin-offs and new ventures are brought forward, supported by state of the art facilities (www.ibwales.com/automotive).

The presence of the Welsh Automotive Forum has also been critical: its umbrella role promotes the interest of every automotive business in Wales looking to supply or source from the country’s supply chain.

And if small is beautiful in the automotive industry, perhaps the future will belong to an innovative company developing the “Naro” car in conjunction with a series of research partners, and part-funded by Wales innovation grants. Currently powered by petrol or diesel engine to offer up to 100 miles per gallon, it could also be powered by new generation hydrogen fuel cells.

“It’s refreshing to find a government with an exciting strategy to promote the niche car business,” says CEO Hugh Kemp. “Wales’ joined-up approach covers the whole support mechanism including product research, workforce identification, support networks, and provision of facilities. It’s a great country to launch a new business in.”