Motor City UK

Motor City UK | EP06 – Coventry in the 20th Century: Reconstruction and the Car Industry

Coventry’s post-war reconstruction reshaped not only the city itself, but the wider British motor industry. In this episode of Motor City UK, we explore how wartime shadow factories, industrial expansion and large-scale manufacturing transformed Coventry into one of the defining automotive centres of post-war Britain. Joined by historian Damian Kimberley at Coventry Transport Museum, the episode traces the growth of Jaguar, Rootes, Standard Triumph and more in Coventry, alongside the gradual shift from industrial confidence towards consolidation, labour disputes and the end of mass car production in the city. * Coventry Blitz and post-war reconstruction * Shadow factories and wartime production * Jaguar at Browns Lane * Rootes Group * British Leyland, Chrysler and Peugeot * LEVC and the future of Coventry manufacturing Motor City UK explores the relationship between transport, industry and identity in Britain’s original motor city. Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod [https://www.instagram.com/motorcitypod] --------------------------------------- Damien Kimberley's books on Coventry's transport heritage: Coventry's Motorcar Heritage https://amzn.to/4cdovpm [https://amzn.to/4cdovpm] Coventry's Bicycle Heritage https://amzn.to/4qSLpWq [https://amzn.to/4qSLpWq] Coventry's Motorcycle Heritage https://amzn.to/4s6lcEX [https://amzn.to/4s6lcEX] --------------------------------------- Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/robcapaldi1] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-capaldi/]

Motor City UK | EP05 – The Untold Role of Women in Jaguar’s Rise

Jaguar’s history is often told through its cars — but the people behind the brand reveal a very different story. From early employees in Coventry to global figures shaping international markets, women played a critical role in Jaguar’s rise. In this episode, Motor City UK explores the untold contributions of women in Jaguar’s early years, from sales leadership and business development to motorsport success and global expansion. * Jaguar history and origins in Coventry * Women in the automotive industry (1930s–1950s) * XK120 and post-war export strategy * Motorsport heritage and Alpine Rally success * Global expansion and European distribution * Cultural shifts in the UK automotive sector A deeper look at the people who shaped one of Britain’s most iconic automotive brands. Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod [https://www.instagram.com/motorcitypod] The Women who made their Marque’ can be found online HERE [https://www.jaguarheritage.com/the-women-who-made-their-marque-exhibition/] --------------------------------------- You can find the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust online at the following locations: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jaguardaimlerheritage.trust/] Website [https://www.jaguarheritage.com/] --------------------------------------- Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/robcapaldi1] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-capaldi/]

Motor City UK | EP04 – The Future of Mobility in the UK

A Clean Transport Revolution with NatWest and Warwick Manufacturing Group Episode four of the Motor City UK podcast takes us to the Junction Building at Warwick University - home to the NatWest Clean Transport Accelerator. In an informative panel discussion we explore Coventry and the West Midland’s contribution to the development of new transportation technology, through the lens of the NatWest Clean Transport Accelerator. The episode features insights from experts at the University of Warwick and NatWest, with discussion focused on challenges like regulation, infrastructure, and public perception in the transition towards innovative transport solutions. The discussion highlights the importance of supporting early-stage businesses and the potential of connected, autonomous, and electric vehicles in shaping a sustainable transportation ecosystem. Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod [https://www.instagram.com/motorcitypod] --------------------------------------- You can find our guests from this episode below: Adam Walters [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-walters-2ab0ba133/] - NatWest Accelerator Community Manager Federico Melotti [https://www.linkedin.com/in/federico-melotti/] - WMG Principal engineer David Milton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-milton-uk/] - WMG Entrepreneur in Residence --------------------------------------- If you are interesting in registering for the NatWest Clean Transport Accelerator, be sure to download the NatWest Accelerator App:: NatWest CTA [https://www.natwest.com/business/business-services/entrepreneur-accelerator.html] --------------------------------------- Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/robcapaldi1] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-capaldi/]

Motor City UK | EP03 – Automotive Art & PopBangColour

Episode three of the Motor City UK podcast takes us to Fargo Village on Far Gosford Street, to meet with automotive artist Ian Cook, better known as PopBangColour. Ian will be a familiar face if you have visited a car show in the UK recently, he is often seen creating unique artworks from his mobile studio at events across the country. Using radio-controlled cars, tyres and toys, he has created a completely unique artistic style that’s vibrant, colourful and full of energy. In this episode, we talk about Ian’s creative journey, the steps he has taken from school in Solihull to studying fine art at one of the UKs leading art schools to working with major automotive and sporting brands around the world. We dig into his inspirations, motivations and plans for the future while coming back to talk about Coventry and how the city and its rich automotive heritage stimulates his creativity. Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod [https://www.instagram.com/motorcitypod] --------------------------------------- Find the PopBangColour online HERE [https://www.instagram.com/popbangcolour/] --------------------------------------- Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/robcapaldi1] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-capaldi/]

Motor City UK | EP02 – Coventry MotoFest Explained

The second episode of the Motor City UK podcast gives us a behind the scenes look into the ups and downs of running a city-centre motoring festival. The Coventry MotoFest is a unique blend of past and present, showcasing vintage vehicles alongside cutting-edge automotive technology. Event director James Noble shares insights into Coventry's influential role in the global automotive industry and how the Motorfest not only celebrates historical achievements but also works hard to bring the excitement of cars to a non-traditional audience. Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod [https://www.instagram.com/motorcitypod] --------------------------------------- Find the Coventry MotoFest online HERE [https://www.coventrymotofest.com/] --------------------------------------- Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/robcapaldi1] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-capaldi/]