Adonis hails Nissan announcement (From The Advertiser Series)

Adonis hails Nissan announcement

12:33pm Thursday 18th March 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

TRANSPORT Secretary Lord Adonis today hailed the announcement that a new electric car will be produced in the North-East.

He said Nissan's decision to build its electric model, the Leaf, in Sunderland was a decisive step forward in making the UK a base for plug-in cars.

Nissan's announcement was part of a double boost for the motor industry today, with Ford also setting out huge investment to develop a new generation of environmentally friendly engines and vehicle technologies.

Both firms will receive Government support for their plans, which will safeguard thousands of jobs.

Nissan has plans to make up to 50,000 vehicles and 60,000 batteries a year at its Sunderland plant.

During question time in the Lords, the Transport Secretary said: "This is a decisive step forward in making the United Kingdom a manufacturing base for plug-in, hybrid and electric cars."

Responding to a question from Liberal Democrat Lord Addington, Lord Adonis also outlined a £30m scheme to set up electric charging points in three regional centres.

And he said: "It is important that we, over time, establish an electric charging infrastructure across the country that encourages people - including those who dont have off-street parking - to buy electric and hybrid cars."

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)