Region hopes to generate electric cars and jobs
Jun 24 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
Great North revolution
ELECTRIC cars are a key part of plans for a Great North Revolution.
If, as hoped, Nissan decides to build the cars in Sunderland it will be seen as a big step forward in plans to transform the region’s economy.
The Great North Revolution has seen business leaders come together to plot the changes needed to ensure the region once again leads an industrial revolution.
With help from the CBI they are setting out the key investment areas in which they need to invest, including low carbon transportation, digital media, healthcare, new energy and new materials and processes.
Sarah Green, regional CBI director, said: "This represents a key milestone in our bid to be central to the electric vehicle industry.
"As a pilot region for the roll out and testing of vehicles we will be at the forefront of developing this industry.
"This investment demonstrates the belief in the North East having the skills, commitment and importantly the public and private sector support to make this pilot successful."
Testing times
LABOUR ministers in London drove electric cars as they announced a nationwide plan to prepare for environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Transport Secretary Lord Adonis and Science Minister Lord Drayson announced the Government is putting £25m into the project which is being organised by the Technology Strategy Board.
The Mini E, driven by Lord Drayson, will be tested in Oxford and south east England in one of eight trials in Britain in which members of the public and businesses will be invited to take part.
Other areas where tests will take place include Glasgow, Coventry, Birmingham, Newcastle and Hillingdon, west London.
More than 340 cars will be involved in the test to measure performance over the next 12 months.
Lord Adonis said: "People have doubted that electric and ultra-low carbon vehicles would come on to the market soon but they are available and the public will be able to drive them.
"We hope it will only be a short period of time before these vehicles come on to the market."
