The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Michael Fallon): The British car and truck industry is strong and growing. More than 6 billion of investment has been committed to it by global investors including BMW, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and, as we 6 Sep 2012 : Column 375 ave heard today, Honda. More than 80% of the vehicles made here are exported, and exports now exceed imports in value for the first time since 1975. Stephen Mosley: I welcome my hon. Friend to his post and thank him for the welcome news that he has just given. Will he assure us that he will use his new post to encourage exports by taking every opportunity to talk up and promote UK plc, unlike Opposition Members, who seem to delight in constantly talking down the success of British industry and talking down our economy? Michael Fallon: I will certainly do what my hon. Friend suggests. I met some of the key players in the industry yesterday. The Government provide significant support for research and development, training, and improving the UK's sourcing of the supply chain in this important industry. I announced a further 9 million yesterday for a research and development centre for energy storage to capitalise on the growing electric and hybrid vehicle battery market. The Secretary of State will today visit Honda to welcome the 500 new jobs that it is creating in Swindon. I hope that the Labour party will welcome that vote of confidence