North East to build electric 4x4 cars

Feb 27 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

THE world’s first zero-emission electric 4x4 cars are to be manufactured in Northumberland, The Journal can reveal.

Oxford-based company Liberty Electric Cars has signed an understanding with development bosses at One North East to invest £30m into manufacturing the cars at Nelson Industrial Estate in Cramlington.

The company, which is in discussions with major suppliers in the region, are to start manufacturing the cars later this year. It is thought that more than 1,000 plug-in electric Range Rovers – the first model to be made – will be created every year. This will create 250 new jobs and contribute an estimated £120m-plus every year into the local economy.

Yesterday’s Journal revealed One North East had launched a bid to make the region a test bed for electric cars. And as details of its first success emerged yesterday, MP for Blyth Valley Ronnie Campbell expressed his excitement.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted – it’s fantastic news. The cars are environmentally friendly and everyone’s going to want one.

“I wish them all the success in the world. We are still hanging on in there in the North East. I’m delighted that people are wanting to come and set up here and manufacture in this part of the country.

“It’s the future. We have to get people into these cars all you need is a little thing to get around and these environmentally friendly cars do just that. They are also going to be so cheap to run.

“As well as all that the jobs are very important. It’s a great opportunity for my part of the world and I’m delighted about it.”