Nissan in talks over building electric cars
Feb 6 2009 by William Green, The Journal
Business Minister Ian Pearson said Nissan was an important part of the region’s economy and had one of the most efficient plants in Western Europe.
He added: “Nissan are very interested in producing a new generation of electric vehicles and we have been in direct discussions with them about that.
“We would like them to be made in the North East and we will continue to have dialogue with them about that.”
Dr Blackman-Woods said she was pleased by the minister’s response.
“Nissan has a very skilled workforce. What I want to do is encourage the Government to use that very skilled workforce and new technology to develop these new cars,” added the MP, assistant to Regional Minister Nick Brown.
She is now seeking a meeting with Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.
Regional CBI director Sarah Green said: “There is a real opportunity around low-carbon emission vehicles. Nissan and the North East are in an excellent position to maximise that opportunity.”
A Nissan spokesman said: “As part of this strategy, over the last year Nissan has been forming partnerships with a growing number of countries, cities and states to prepare for the successful mass marketing and introduction of electric vehicles in the very near future.
“To this end, over the last few months, Nissan and the UK Government have been in discussion and we have been encouraged by their proactive approach in this matter,” he said.
He added Nissan would begin mass marketing EVs globally from 2012 following initial launches in Japan and the US next year. “As yet no production locations have been confirmed. However, Nissan will continue to work closely with the UK Government to ensure the Sunderland plant is a strong contender,” said the spokesman.
Development agency One North East said it was determined the region would be forefront of the green car revolution and was working closely with Nissan and the Government.
Key conference
MOTOR chiefs will meet in the North East next week to discuss the future of their industry.
Bosses from Nissan, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Bentley will speak on how manufacturers can compete in a rapidly-changing global environment at the 10th Sunderland international automotive conference.
Simon Carter, deputy director of the Government’s automotive unit, will address the summit.
Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson said: "Sunderland is a key player in the UK’s automotive sector and given the global economic picture, there is going to be much talk about what the future holds for the industry."
More than 250 UK and international delegates are registered for the conference to be held at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Durham, from next Tuesday to Thursday.
