Government aid key
July 20th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
NISSAN has said that, without support from the Government, today’s UK jobs boost would have gone abroad.
The UK, along with Portugal, are both to produce batteries for Renault-Nissan’s massive electric car plans.
‘The two Governments have offered to extend financial assistance and other support to ensure that Nissan locates the proposed plants within their respective countries,’ said Nissan.
‘This recognises the significant contribution that the plants are likely to make to the long term health of both the national and regional economies.
Naturally, PM Gordon Brown is chuffed to bits.
‘Nissan’s investment in a new battery plant, and its hope to start producing electric vehicles here in Sunderland, is great news for the local economy, creating up to 350 direct jobs, and creating and safeguarding hundreds more in the associated supply chain,’ he said.
‘Sunderland could now be a strong contender to produce electric vehicles for Nissan in Europe, and we will continue to work with Nissan to ensure this happens.’
Car Dealer Magazine regular news subject Lord Mandelson pieced together the deal.
‘This is good news not just for the North East, but for the whole of the UK, helping to attract foreign investment and securing UK’s place as a global leader in high-tech manufacturing and automotive industries.
‘The collaboration between local businesses, universities and colleges will create a hub of expertise to boost innovation and accelerate business growth in this important area of ‘green’ industry.’
Nissan Senior VP for manufacturing, Trevor Mann, said: ‘Today’s announcement potentially marks another important milestone in establishing low carbon transport as a viable and attractive alternative across the North East and beyond.’
Today’s deal may be considerably more significant over and above even the 350 jobs created today… the projected annual capacity for the new facility is a staggering 60,000 units!
Tags: ev, government, mandelson, Nissan, sunderland
 |  |  |