North edges closer to electric boost

Jul 11 2009 by Beverley Pearson, The Journal

THE North East could be on the cusp of an historic decision to build electric vehicles in the region.

Car manufacturer Nissan has already signalled that its Washington plant is a “strong contender” to build the next generation of electric vehicles.

And Wearside MP Fraser Kemp has now revealed a decision is expected “shortly” on where the cars will be built.

The news comes after The Journal launched the Great North Revolution campaign to transform the region and get its economy fit for the future last month.

Experts see low carbon transport as central to future economic development in the region.

Addressing Business Minister Pat McFadden in a Commons debate on UK manufacturing, Mr Kemp said: “Does the minister think that an excellent example of how traditional industries can modernise for the future can be found in the motor industry and the investment in low-carbon cars that has been considered? Nissan, in my constituency, is one organisation that is looking closely at producing the next generation of low-carbon cars, and a decision is expected on that shortly.

“Does he think that is another way of developing our manufacturing base?”

The Labour MP for Houghton and Washington East added 200 extra staff had been taken on by Nissan as a result of the success of the Government’s car scrappage scheme.

Mr Pat McFadden recognised the importance of the low-carbon economy in Britain’s manufacturing future.