BUSINESS LIFE: Design firm seizes a sporting chance; There are good times ahead, predicts boss.

Byline: Colin Lewis Business Editor

COVENTRY firm RDM is speeding towards further expansion after buying a British-based kit car company.

GTM produces two sports car kits - the Libra, designed to rival to the Lotus Elise - and the Spyder, which has received critical acclaim for its looks, performance and handling.

RDM, based at Bilton industrial estate, off Humber Avenue, in Stoke, is now planning to increase output and promote its cars to a wider market.

The firm is an established design, development and manufacturing company, employing a highly-skilled team of 35 full-time staff and 18 design contractors.

It supplies some of the world's most famous car manufacturers such as BMW, Aston Martin, Bentley, Land Rover, MG Rover, Peugeot and Jaguar with designs, products and systems.

RDM managing director David Keene believes there are good times ahead for the two companies. He said: "With the combined skills, experience and technology of RDM, GTM could become one of the great British sports car manufacturers.

"I think everyone knows that the automotive industry is extremely tough but we are an SME with a bright future.

"We are aiming to increase the production of GTM and we also want to make an impression in overseas markets."

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce's Business Link service has been helping by sharing its expertise in areas such as contacts and aspects of international trade.

Business Link adviser Malcolm Vaughan said: "This is a wonderful example of home-grown entrepreneurship maintaining the solid tradition of Coventry's car industry."

CAPTION(S):

SPORTS AIM: RDM managing director David Keene (left) and Business Link adviser Malcolm Vaughan with one of the sporty GTM models