Nissan in talks over building electric cars

Feb 6 2009 by William Green, The Journal

A GREEN car revolution led by the North East could be on the way with huge economic benefits.

The Government and Nissan are in “direct discussions” over building low-emission cars in the region, with the firm’s car plant in Washington a “strong contender” to build vehicles.

Efforts to bring an electric car battery manufacturer to the region are also understood to be under way.

And regional development chiefs are working with the Government and Nissan to ensure the North East enjoys an economic and jobs boost – which will give hope to 1,200 workers losing their jobs at Nissan’s local plant. A Nissan spokesman said it was committed to becoming the global leader of zero emission vehicles, including technologies such as hydrogen and plug-in hybrids, with its immediate priority being zero emission electric vehicles (EVs).

The news comes days after Gordon Brown praised the region’s car industry and its importance as a vital automotive research centre, highlighting work on electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The Prime Minister promised “serious investment” in new technologies and research in an article written for The Journal, with a £2.3bn package of loans and guarantees available to transform the car industry to meet future demand.

News of talks between the Government and Nissan emerged in the Commons yesterday after Durham City Labour MP Roberta Blackman-Woods asked what support was available to the company to develop low energy and low emission vehicles.