AUTOMOTIVE TRANSFORMATION FUND (ATF)

Infrastructure and Construction

Record date: 31 March 2026

Whole-life cost: £702.7m
Published schedule: Not disclosed – Not disclosed
NISTA delivery confidence: Not disclosed
Senior responsible owner: Graham Zebedee

What the project is for

The Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) is a major government programme supporting large-scale capital investment in the UK automotive sector, with a primary focus on transitioning supply chains and manufacturing capability towards zero-emission vehicles. Originally established to secure strategic inward investment and develop domestic capability in key areas such as battery manufacturing and associated supply chains, the programme has supported a portfolio of capital-intensive projects across the UK. While DRIVE35 now represents the future integrated programme for the sector, ATF continues to operate as a legacy programme, managing and delivering existing grant commitments and ensuring successful completion of funded projects. It remains a critical component of the UK’s industrial strategy, underpinning supply chain resilience and long-term competitiveness.

Departmental delivery commentary

The current Delivery Confidence Assessment reflects the transition of ATF from an active award programme to a delivery and stewardship phase, managing a complex portfolio of high-value, long-term capital projects. Key drivers of the assessment include: the complexity and scale of funded projects, many of which involve multiple commercial partners and long delivery timelines; the ongoing need for robust monitoring, assurance, and contractual management of legacy commitments; and residual delivery risks associated with project execution, market conditions, and supply chain dependencies. Additionally, programme delivery has been impacted by organisational changes and resourcing pressures within DBT, which have required strengthening of PMO capability and oversight to maintain delivery confidence. The Department has taken steps to mitigate these risks through enhanced governance, strengthened programme management arrangements, and continued senior oversight. Overall, the programme remains deliverable, with a focus on ensuring effective oversight of existing commitments and managing risks to delivery and benefits realisation.

Schedule

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the project's end-date at 25/26-Q4 remained the same at 31/03/2025. All future provision at that point moves into DRIVE35.

Cost

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the project's departmentally agreed Whole Life Cost at 25/26-Q4 increased slightly from last year's WLC £671 to £675m.

Benefits

The project's departmentally agreed Benefits at 25/26-Q4 (measured in £m) have been reported at £1,427.4m - this is the first year that benefits have been reported.