More than 200 experts from the car industry have descended on the county today for a conference on the improving diesel engines.

Vehicle technology developer Delphi is hosting the conference at its Gillingham base, where it employs about 900 people.

The engineering company is also unveiling a new lab where it will develop the next generation of fuel-efficient diesel engines.

The two-day conference was opened by Liam Butterworth, the president of the company's Powertrain division, and Medway Council leader Rodney Chambers.

Its multi-million pound test laboratory will help to improve the durability and fuel economy of engines in heavy duty commercial vehicles, which it sells to car makers across the globe.