British supercar manufacturer McLaren is set to create around 1,000 new UK jobs as part of a major £450 million investment in its technology centre in Woking.

The investment will expand McLaren’s manufacturing, research and development capabilities as the company undergoes a major product and business transformation. The new positions will include direct and agency roles.

McLaren currently employs around 2,500 people, meaning the planned expansion represents a significant increase in its UK workforce. The announcement comes after the company’s merger with electric-vehicle startup Forseven Holdings and a change in ownership under Abu Dhabi-based CYVN Holdings.

The investment provides a boost to the UK automotive and advanced-engineering sector, which is facing intense competition from Chinese electric-vehicle manufacturers, changing global trade conditions and pressure to accelerate the transition towards electric vehicles.

The announcement also comes as other major carmakers reduce costs and jobs, highlighting the contrasting strategies being adopted across Britain's automotive industry.