A Dudley-based autonomous vehicle experts company has won a £30m commercial contract in South Korea with support from the Department for International Trade (DIT).
Westfield Technology Group specialises in the design and build of autonomous electric ‘pod’ vehicles.
The business is set to supply three of its vehicles to Ulleungdo Island, a tourist hotspot, as part of South Korea’s ongoing investment in infrastructure.
The vehicles will be used by residents and tourists to explore the scenic east coast island.
The firm already exports across the globe, and the latest win has boosted export sales by 167 per cent.
DIT helped introduce the business to key contacts in the market, which led to the successful launch of two of these vehicles in South Korea last year.
Since the win, DIT has supported with navigating legislative requirements, overcoming language barriers and understanding cultural differences.
“The research and development aspect of autonomous vehicles is at the forefront of the international transport agenda,” said Julian Turner, CEO at Westfield Technology Group.
“As a business operating in the sector, we are experiencing so much demand from governments and councils from far and wide.”
“It is only with the help of the Department for International Trade that we are able to meet demand and arrange introductions with the right people to bring our global expansion to life.
“DIT has played an incremental role in our movements in the market over the last 12 months, and we are looking forward to continuing working together to identify the best opportunities for us to continue to thrive around the world. If we can achieve this, so can so many others.”
Ian Harrison, head of exports at the Department for International Trade, added: “Westfield Technology Group is making huge strides across the globe, and this new export win is another positive marker of its success.
“Exporting does not come without its complexities – translations, finding the right suppliers or meeting the right contacts being just some of them.
“Firms should be confident when looking to make movements overseas, and those looking to take their next step should get in touch with the local office to speak with an International Trade Adviser to find out more about opportunities that could work for them.”