Vauxhall workers hope the new Astra will be built at Ellesmere Port (200)
THE possibility of Ellesmere Port becoming the “home of the electric car in Europe” was warmly welcomed by civic leaders last night.
General Motors (GM) says it wants to build 220,000 hybrid cars a year within seven years, and its Europe president Carl-Peter Forster said it was “seriously considering” the Vauxhall plant in Merseyside to build them.
Senior management from GM met Gordon Brown at the British Motor Show to urge government support for their plan.
It is believed the company wants the Government to pledge that public charging points for the emission-friendly cars will be installed across the country.
Ellesmere Port MP Andrew Miller had recently asked if Gordon Brown would meet the company to discuss electric car production, and leader of Ellesmere Port and Neston Council, Cllr Justin Madders said: “I never expected anything would happen this quickly.
“We have all been working hard to secure the future of the plant, and have in the short to medium term with the new Astra.
“But with things the way they are electric cars could be the long term answer.
“It’s absolutely brilliant security for the future for people working there.”
Mr Forster said the group was “seriously considering” the Merseyside plant as the European manufacturing site for the proposed Chevrolet Volt. The Volt would be powered by batteries and an electric motor linked to a petrol engine. Fuel costs could be down to £100 a year.
The Volt will be launched in America by 2010 and in Europe by late 2011 or early 2012, and could cost about £20,000.
Mr Brown had a 40-minute meeting with Mr Forster in which he was told GM also wanted extra credits against tough new European fuel consumption targets.
The company is seeking support for its plan for a “super credit”, and in return is offering a commitment to build its Flextreme Hybrid at Ellesmere Port, creating 500 jobs.
Mr Forster said: “The UK could take a leading role in the future of this car. We could have a fruitful discussion with the British Government about building it in the UK.”
OPINION: PAGE12
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